Conservation Science W. Aust. 7 (1) : 121–149 (2008)

Flora and vegetation of the banded iron formations of the Yilgarn Craton: the central Tallering Land System

ADRIENNE S. MARKEY AND STEVEN J. DILLON Science Division, Department of Environment and Conservation, Wildlife Research Centre, PO Box 51, Wanneroo WA 6946 Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

A quadrat-based survey was undertaken on the flora and floristic communities of several ironstone ranges and outcrops in the Yalgoo bioregion, covering the central extent of the Tallering Land System. One hundred and three 20 x 20 m quadrats were established over the extent of this region, and covered the topographic profile of these landforms. A total of 414 taxa (species, subspecies, varieties and forms) and four hybrids were identified from these quadrats. Fifteen taxa of conservation significance were found in this survey, five of which had not been previously recorded from the area. Significant range extensions for 21 species are reported in this study. At least nine new taxa were identified, of which several are of conservation significance. Nine regional endemic and near-endemic taxa were found over the study area, with half restricted to the south-west hills. Eight floristic community types (five main types, two with subtypes) were resolved from classification analysis of floristic data (presence / absence). These community types were strongly associated with topography and soil chemistry. Geographical variation was found among the floristic communities within the region, and some communities were found to be restricted to the south-west of the survey area. These restricted communities were found to occur in the more mesic regions of the survey area, on rocky uplands of BIF, and had notable component of flora from the South West Floristic Region. The central Tallering Land System is currently unreserved, although three pastoral leases have been purchased by the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) (now known as the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)) with the intention for future inclusion in the conservation estate. Mining and exploration tenements cover nearly all of the central Tallering Land System. This area has significant conservation values, and proposed mining activities must be assessed and managed to minimise impacts on significant flora and floristic communities.

INTRODUCTION STUDY SITE Previous quadrat-based surveys have examined the flora This survey focuses on the vegetation communities and floristic communities on a number of ranges in the associated with several narrow, elongate belts of eastern goldfields. These have provided a regional overview metamorphic sedimentary rocks that occur within the of these ranges, improved current knowledge of their flora central Tallering Land System of Payne et al. (1998). and found that individual ranges of both banded iron These form two main arches that span a distance of c. formation (BIF) and greenstones possess unique 52 km east – west and extend c. 55 km in a north-south communities that differ floristically from other ranges direction between Perenjori, Paynes Find and Yalgoo (Gibson 2004a, b; Gibson and Lyons 1998, 2001a, (Figure 1). The study area extends over the Karara, Badja, 2001b). Ironstone and greenstone landforms within the Thundelarra and Warriedar Stations, within the Yalgoo northern Murchison geological region currently lack such and Perenjori shires. This survey specifically targeted hills detailed information, and are currently subject to and ridges of banded iron formation (BIF) within this considerable exploration and mining interests. This current area. survey aims to examine the flora and floristic communities The Tallering Land System was first described and of a series of small ironstone ranges in the northern Yilgarn mapped by Payne et al. (1998), and refers to the hills and region, and is one of a series of surveys being conducted ranges of ironstone, volcanic and metasedimentary by DEC on ranges of prospectable BIF and associated geologies which are located between Mt Gibson and metasedimentary geologies. These surveys aim to Tallering Peak. As the central portion of this land system ultimately redress deficiencies in data for these areas, coincides with the banded iron formations targeted by provide a regional context for these communities, and this survey, and the name ‘central Tallering Land System’ contribute to the conservation and management of is adopted by this study as the collective name of these biodiversity on BIF ranges. landforms within the study region. 122 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

Yalgoo

Paynes Find Yalgoo Road Perenjori

Perth

Minjar (449m)

Thundelarra Road Warriedar Road

Walagnumming Hill (428m)

Jasper Hill Pinyalling Hill (454m) (490m) Warriedar Hill (543) BLUE HILLS RANGE Mongers Lake Windaning Hill (508m) Mt Karara (411m) 036 12 1824

Kilometres

Figure 1. Map showing the location of the survey region and location of the specific ranges, landforms and landmarks which constitute the central Tallering Land System. Locations of the 103 floristic quadrats are marked by triangles (ᮡ).

Land Use History (CALM 2004). The current tenure status of this area is Unallocated Crown Land, and is in the process of tenure The lands within the Yalgoo bioregion have been subject review with the intention of this area becoming to pastoral and mining activity, although it has not been conservation estate. These former leases have been subject to extensive land clearing like the adjacent subsequently de-stocked, wells closed and feral animal wheatbelt region. Pastoral leases were first established in eradication programs implemented (CALM 2005). the study area in the latter half of the 19th century, Gold discoveries in the late 19th century led to the commencing with Thundelarra (Pinyalling Spring) and establishment of towns and gold mining activities in the Badja stations in the early 1870’s, and with most leases region (Beard 1976a; Hennig 1998a). From the late 1960s established by the early 1900’s (Hennig 1998a). until 1974, iron ore mining was conducted at the Blue Thundelarra and Badja Stations are currently active. Hills (Beard 1976b). Within the past decade, there has Between 2000 and 2004, the adjoining Karara, Lochada been dramatic upsurge in mineral exploration and mining and Warriedar pastoral leases were purchased by the activities following increased demand from China. Current Department of Conservation and Land Management mineral exploration activities in the region target rock ores Flora and vegetation of Tallering 123

as a source of iron, and both precious (Ag, Au) and season is in winter, given that it is the coolest and wettest industrial metals (Ni, Cr, Mn, Mo, Va, Tg) (Baxter & season (Leighton 1998). Lipple 1985; Baxter et al. 1983; Department of Industry and Resources 2007; Lipple et al. 1983; Muhling and Geology Low 1977). There are currently two active mines in the study area at Gossan Hill and Golden Grove, whilst iron The geology of the study region has been described ore exploration is in progress on Mt Karara, Windaning and mapped over four geological sheets; Perenjori 1: 250 Ridge and Blue Hills Range. Most of the central Tallering 000 (SH/50 – 6) (Baxter & Lipple 1985), Yalgoo 1: 250 Land System is covered by mining tenements. 000 (SH/50-2) (Muhling and Low 1977), Ninghan 1: 250 000 (SH/50-7) (Lipple et al. 1983), Kirkalocka 1: Climate 250 000 (SH/50-3) (Baxter et al. 1983). The Murchison region is an undulating plateau of low relief, with large The study area is bounded by the 300 and 250 mm isohyet playa lake systems and erosional escarpments (breakways). and lies within the Semi-Desert Mediterranean bioclimatic Much of this region consists of Cainozoic deposits which region (Beard 1976a, 1990), where the annual evaporation overlie the granitoids, infolded belts of metamorphic range of 2800 – 3200 mm greatly exceeds the annual sedimentary and igneous rocks of the Archaean Yilgarn rainfall (Leighton 1998). The area has mild winters and Craton (Baxter et al. 1983; Johnson 1998; Lipple et al. hot, dry summers, and a low, moderately variable rainfall 1983; Muhling & Low 1977). This subdued landscape is that falls mostly in winter, but irregular summer rainfall interrupted by hills, ridges and uplands of exposed may occur (Beard 1976a, b; Leighton 1998). Winter Archaean granitoid and metamorphic sedimentary bedrock rainfall is derived from rain-bearing cold fronts associated which rise above the surrounding plains. with the westerly wind system, and 62% of median annual Within the study area, the altitude ranges from low to rainfall is received during the winter season (Leighton high relief (360 – 543 m above sea level). Most hills range 1998). Summer rainfall events are thunderstorms and from 30 to 180 m in height above the surrounding plains, heavy downpours derived from the depressions that are although a number of significant hills can exceed this the remnants of tropical cyclones (Leighton 1998), such (Figure 1). Whilst granitoids form monoliths and that over 120 mm can fall in a day (Australian Bureau of pavements, the metamorphic sedimentary and igneous Meteorology 1908–). Rainfall is patchy and irregular in rocks form elongate hills and rugged strike ridges that are its distribution over the study area. Downpours may not linear-arcuate, and north to north-west trending (Johnson be widespread but can be restricted to small areas, even 1998; Lipple et al. 1983; Payne & Pringle 1998). These within or between adjacent stations (Leighton 1998; A. belts of Archean metamorphosed and deformed Markey, pers. obs1 ). greenstones consist of mafic to ultramafic volcanics and As Paynes Find and Yalgoo are the two closest felsic volcanics, and metasedimentary rocks of shale, meteorological centres to the study area, weather data from siltstone, chert, jaspilite, and banded iron formation (BIF) these centres provides some information on the climate (Baxter & Lipple 1985; Johnston 1998; Lipple et al. 1983; of the survey area (Australian Bureau of Meteorology Muhling & Low 1977). Erosion of these Archean 1908–). There is a rainfall gradient over the region, such metasediments and volcanics forms a colluvium of sand, that rainfall decreases in a north-easterly direction. silt and angular ironstone, greenstone and quartz Therefore, the mean annual rainfall declines from Paynes fragments, which deposit as talus and scree slopes and Find (282 mm) northwards to 258 mm at Yalgoo (these outwash fans on the margins of these landforms (Johnson records commencing from 1896 (Paynes Find) and 1919 1998). Soils of these landforms consist of shallow or (Yalgoo) until 2004). Rainfalls were good in the months skeletal (< 50 cm) stony soils on the ridges, rises and hills, preceding this current field survey (Spring 2005), and and associated with rocks, boulders and outcropping consequently there was an abundant growth of annuals bedrock, which are replaced by shallow stony red earths and good flowering of perennial species within the study and red clayey sands and ferruginous gravel on the lower season. slopes and outwashes (Hennig 1998b). For both centres, the average winter (June – August) Three Land Systems have been identified by Payne maximum temperature is 19.1 °C, and the average summer and Pringle (1998) which refer to landforms of greenstone (December – February) daily maximum is 36.3°C. January and banded iron formation in the Paynes Find – Sandstone is the hottest month, with maximum temperatures of 37.1 area. These are the Tallering (prominent ridges and hills °C and 37.2 °C in Paynes Find and Yalgoo, respectively. of banded iron formation, dolerite and metasedimentary Conversely. the coldest month is July with mean minimum rocks), Watson (metasedimentary rocks), and Gabanintha temperatures of 5.4 °C and 6.2 °C, respectively. (volcanics and metasedimentary rocks) Land Systems. Of Temperatures rarely fall below 0 °C, and occur on an these Land Systems, the central extent of the Tallering average of 3.1 days and 0.6 days during July for Paynes Land System is the geomorphological unit which most Find and Yalgoo respectively. The predominant growing specifically corresponds to the strike ridges and hills of banded iron formation examined in this survey. The banded iron formations and other metasedimentary rocks

1 Adrienne Markey: Research Scientist, Western Australian Department of of the central Tallering Land System are associated with Environment & Conservation, Science Division, Woodvale the Warriedar Fold Belt. 124 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

Vegetation mixed shrubland (BRXS) on the hillslopes and crests (uplands), and lateritic sandplain acacia shrubland (LACS) The study area is located in the Yalgoo subregion, which and the lower slopes and outwashes. The SIAS community is nested within the Austin Botanical District of the consists of a dominant stratum of trees of Acacia spp., Eremaean Botanical Province (Beard 1976b, 1990). This Casuarina and / or Eucalyptus, over a tall shrub layer of subregion of Beard (1976a) corresponds to the IBRA A. ramulosa, A. burkittii, A. quadrimarginea, A. Yalgoo Bioregion (Environment Australia 2000; Thackway tetragonophylla and Santalum spicatum, over lower shrub & Creswell 1995). Being in close proximity to the north- strata of diverse and variables species, including Eremophila eastern boarders of the biologically diverse South West forrestii, Scaevola spinescens, Ptilotus obovatus, Senna Botanical Province (Beard 1990; Hopper & Gioia 2004), artemisioides subsp. filifolia, Eremophila latrobei, the Yalgoo subregion is a transitional zone between the Philotheca brucei, Solanum lasiophyllum and Sida atrovirens two botanical provinces (Beard 1976a; Environment (= Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van Leeuwen 2260), the Australia 2000; Thackway & Creswell 1995). However, grass, Austrostipa elegantissima and the pteridiophyte, there have been few detailed surveys on the vegetation Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia. The IRMS community communities within this region which spans this transition includes Philotheca sericea and Thryptomene decussata as from the South West Botanical Province to the arid dominant taxa, is species-rich and has floristic affinities to Eremaean Province. The vegetation maps of the Austin the South West Botanical Province. This community is Botanical District were on a scale of 1:1000 000, and restricted to the southwest of the Sandstone-Paynes Find- communities were defined primarily by physiognomy and Yalgoo area (Pringle 1998). dominant taxa (Beard 1976a). The Austin Botanical Since Pringle (1998), various small-scale, unpublished District is dominated by low mulga (Acacia aneura) surveys have been undertaken on various landforms within woodland on the plains and reduced to Acacia scrub on the study area, these being undertaken by consultants and hills (Beard 1976a, 1990). The hill vegetation was reported restricted to areas within immediate vicinity of proposed as shrublands dominated by Acacia aneura, Acacia mining activities. The most comprehensive of these surveys quadrimarginea, Acacia ramulosa and Acacia grasbyi over at the time of this survey described 21 structural vegetation a mid stratum of Senna and Eremophila shrubs, with little communities for the landforms in the south-western part difference being noted between communities on granitoids of the survey area, of which 10 are associated with and metamorphic sedimentary rocks at this scale (Beard ironstone landforms (Woodman Environmental 1976a, 1990). Consulting Pty Ltd 2003, 2004a, 2004b, 2004c). These On a more detailed scale, Beard (1976b) produced a can be generally partitioned into Eucalyptus woodlands 1:250 000 map of physiognomic vegetation formations on lower slopes and outwash plains, and thickets and scrubs of the Perenjori area, which only covers the lower half of on the hills, rises and uplands variously dominated by this current survey area. On this scale, the extensive Allocasuarina acutivalvis, Acacia ramulosa subsp. outcroppings of Archean metamorphic rocks (including ramulosa, Acacia burkittii (=A. acuminata) mixed banded iron formations) are associated with two vegetation dominant Acacia species over a heath or low scrub of systems; the Windaning System and Gnow’s Nest System. mixed species. The Windaning System consists of outcrops of Archaean Prior surveys on the central Tallering Land System are metamorphic rocks which are covered in scrub (Acacia based on structural descriptions of vegetation ramulosa, Allocasuarina sp., Melaleuca cf. uncinata, communities, at scales either too broad or too refined for Acacia quadrimarginea and Acacia acuminata (=A. a regional overview within this land system. The aim of burkittii), and scattered eucalypts. The valleys are the current survey is to provide a regional overview of the vegetated with acacia scrub and scattered emergent trees flora and vegetation which is sufficient in detail to resolve (Beard 1976b). Only the southern extent of the Gnows floristic communities both within and among these Nest System (coinciding with the Gnows Nest Range) landforms within the central Tallering Land System. was mapped, this southern extent being more subdued in topography than the Windaning system (Beard 1976b). Vegetation was described as Acacia scrub, dominated by METHODS A. ramulosa and A. acuminata (=A. burkittii), with A. quadrimarginea on steeper slopes. One hundred and three 20 x 20m permanent quadrats Pringle (1998) described the vegetation of the were established on Mt Karara, Jasper Hill, Windaning Sandstone – Yalgoo - Paynes Find area on a scale of 1:250 Hill and its associated ridge (henceforth referred to as 000, defining structural vegetation systems based on Windaning Ridge), Warriedar Hill, Pinyalling Hill, perennial taxa. A total of eight upland vegetation Walagnumming Hill, Minjar Hill and the low strikes of communities (‘habitats’) were identified from across all ironstone west and north of Minjar Hill (Figure 1), the land systems, of which three were characteristic of between September and October 2005. Quadrats were ironstone substrates. These three upland ironstone placed on the crests, slopes and peneplains mainly within communities occur within the Tallering Land System the middle third of Tallering Land System type of Payne (Pringle 1998), as does a fourth, lowland community. et al. (1998), and were placed strategically to encompass These communities are: stony ironstone acacia (SIAS), the topographical profile of these landforms and their ironstone ridge mixed shrubland (IRMS) and breakaway associated vegetation communities. This methodology has Flora and vegetation of Tallering 125

been used to survey other ranges in Western Australia (e.g. algorithm in Primer (Clark & Gorley 2006) to determine Gibson 2004a). Quadrats were established only in the least the degree of correlation between datasets following the disturbed vegetation in the area, and burnt, heavily grazed exclusion of taxa. Preliminary analyses found that and cleared areas were avoided. singletons (species known from a single quadrat) contained Quadrats were marked with four steel fence droppers little information. The omission of annuals was justified and their altitude and position recorded by GPS and on the basis that their distribution and abundance over photographed at a set distance (usually 5 m) from each the landscape is a function of rainfall in the preceding corner. The presence and cover of all vascular plant species months (Mott 1972, 1973). It also allows for comparison (angiosperms, gymnosperms and pteridiophytes) were of data collected between seasons and years, and is recorded in each quadrat, with material collected for consistent with previous surveys on Western Australian verification at the Western Australian Herbarium. ironstone and greenstone ranges (e.g. Gibson 2004a). Vegetation structure was described according to Pattern analysis was conducted using PATN (V3.03) McDonald et al. (1998). All data on topographical (Belbin 1989). The Bray-Curtis coefficient was used to position, aspect, slope, % litter, % bare ground, % rock generate an association matrix for both the classification cover class of both surface deposits and exposed bedrock, and ordination analyses. This association matrix consisted shape of surface rock fragments, soil colour and soil texture of pairwise coefficients of similarities between sites based were noted according to the standard definitions outlined on floristic data. Agglomerative, hierarchical clustering, in McDonald et al. (1998). Percentage surface rock using flexible UPGMA (â = -0.1), was used to generate a fragment cover class, maximum rock fragment size (MxR) species and site classification (Sneath and Sokal 1973). A and exposed bedrock outcrop cover were all coded on a two-way table of the site by species matrix, sorted into semi-quantitative scale. Percentage surface rock fragment groups generated from these site and species classifications. cover classes (Frag Rock) were scored on seven point scale; Indicator species analysis was calculated using PC-Ord 0 % cover (0); < 2 % cover (1); 2 – 10% (2); 10 – 20% (3); (McCune & Mefford 1999), using the methods of 20 – 50% (4); 50 – 90% (5); > 90% (6). Maximum rock Dufrêne and Legendre (1997). Indicator values fragment size was classed on a six point scale; 2 – 6 mm (INDVAL) were used to determine the significant (1); 6 – 20 mm (2); 20 – 60 mm (3); 60 – 200 mm (4); indicator species for each floristic community type, and 200 – 600 mm (5); 600 mm – 2m (6). Leaf litter and this statistic were calculated from a combination of the bare ground were visual estimates of the percentage of fidelity and constancy of each species to a community type. ground cover. Topographic position (Tp) in the landscape The INDVAL statistic (%) is maximum (100 %) when all was coded on a five point scale which was semi- occurrences of a species are restricted to one community quantitative: outwash (1); lower slope (2); mid slope (3), type, occurring in all sites that community. INDVAL values upper slope or low, isolated ridge (4), crest (5). were calculated for each species at the eight group level, For each quadrat a bulked soil sample was collected and a Monte Carlo permutation test (10000 simulations) from the top 10 cm, this being complied from 20 smaller was used to test for the significance of these indicator samples collected regularly over the area of the quadrat. species. The ≤ 2mm fraction of these soils were analysed for a Three dimensional semi-strong hybrid suite of 12 elements at the Chemistry Centre of Western multidimensional scaling (SSH MDS) was implemented Australia, using inductively coupled plasma atomic for the ordination of the sites from the floristic data, using emission spectrometry (ICP AES). This involved the 1000 random starts and 50 iterations (Belbin 1991). simultaneous determination of a suite of elements (P, K, Principal Component Correlation (PCC) runs a multiple S, Ca, Mg, Na, B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn) using the linear regression of variables on the site ordination (Belbin Mehlich No. 3 soil test procedure (Mehlich 1984, Walton 1989), and PCC was run on the extrinsic environmental and Allen 2004). Effective cation exchange capacity variables on the site ordination from floristic data. The (eCEC) was calculated from the summing of charge Monte-Carlo procedure (MCAO) was employed in PATN equivalents of Ca, Mg, Na and K after their conversion as a bootstrap analysis to evaluate the significance of these from their respective elemental concentrations (dividing correlation coefficients. This was done for each by the constants 200.4, 121.6, 230, and 390 respectively) environmental attribute by implementing PCC on the (D. Allan, pers. comm. 2 ; Rayment & Higginson 1992, same ordination using randomly assigned values for each Soil & Plant Council, 1999). Estimates of climatic variables environmental variable in the dataset (Belbin 1989). One (mean annual temperature, mean annual rainfall, rainfall thousand iterations of this procedure were run. The data coefficient of variation) was obtained from BIOCLIM was found to be non-normal, highly skewed and (Busby 1986). heteroscedastic. Therefore, the Kruskal-Wallis non- Classification and ordination analyses were conducted parametric, one-way analysis of variance and Dunns’ on a data matrix of 164 perennial taxa, with the singleton posthoc multiple comparisons were used to detect and annual taxa having being omitted from the data matrix differences among community types for climatic and prior to analysis. Resemblance matrixes (Bray Curtis edaphic variables (Zar 1984). measure of distance) were compared using the ‘2 Stage’ Nomenclature follows Packowska and Chapman (2000), with the exception of phrase (informal) names 2 David Allen, Principle Chemist, Chemistry Centre of Western Australia, which are currently used at Western Australian Herbarium Land Resources Section, Perth (1998–) to denote taxa that are not yet formerly named. 126 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

Representative specimens of all taxa have been lodged at (Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 2007; this the Western Australian Herbarium. Geographical study). The most northerly extent of this distribution distributions of taxa were obtained from online records occurs at Jasper Hill. It is absent from the western (Mt at the Western Australian Herbarium (1998–). Karara) and the northern half of the study area (north of Jasper Hill and ironstone hills on Badja Station), although apparently suitable habitat has been investigated (C. RESULTS Godden, pers. comm. 3; Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 2007; this study). Flora Acacia karina (previously known as Acacia sp. Karara (C. Godden 14)) is a member of Acacia sect. Juliflorae A total of 414 taxa (species, subspecies, varieties and forms) and bears some resemblance to Acacia jibberdingensis, but and 4 putative hybrids were recorded within or adjacent differs from the latter by lacking a pulvinus. Instead, it to quadrats placed on the ironstone hills, ridges and appears to be most closely aligned to A. stanleyi (Maslin uplands within the region bounded by Mt Karara, & Buscumb 2007). Acacia karina was only recorded on Pinyalling Hill and the Minjar Hill area (Appendix 1). Of Mt Karara by this current survey, where it is most common these 414 taxa, 26 were introduced weeds. Taxa were from (Maslin & Buscumb 2007). Further surveys have located 69 families, of which the most speciose were the Asteraceae this taxon on the Blue Hills Range and, less frequently, (69 native taxa, 1 possible hybrid and 4 introduced taxa), on Windaning Ridge and some nearby, low hills of BIF Poaceae (23 native and 7 introduced taxa), Mimosaceae and granite (Maslin & Buscumb 2007; Woodman (25 taxa), Myrtaceae (24 taxa) Chenopodiaceae (23 taxa Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 2007). Beyond this and 1 hybrid), Myoporaceae (17 taxa), Goodeniaceae (12), area, there is a single collection from Mt Gibson Station Amaranthaceae (11), Proteaceae (10) and Lamiaceae (8). (c. 120 km south east of Morowa). However, this taxon The most speciose genera were Acacia (28), Eremophila was not found during a recent survey of ironstone (17 taxa), Rhodanthe (13 taxa), Ptilotus (11 taxa) and landforms on Mt Gibson Station (Meissner & Caruso Austrostipa (9 taxa) (Appendix 1). This pattern is common 2008). Recent surveys of BIF in the wider Yalgoo IBRA among floras from other ironstone surveys, and among have failed to find this species beyond its current known flora within the transition from the South West to the range (Markey & Dillon in review, unpublished data). Eremaean Botanical Province (Beard 1976a, 1990; Gibson A variant of Drummondita microphylla was collected et al. 2000; Gibson 2004a, b). which had been previously noted by Wilson (1998) to differ from Drummondita microphylla s.s in that it possesses Priority taxa minute, red-brown apicula on the leaves and flattened, coriaceous, suborbicular sepals. Populations of this variant Fifteen taxa of conservation significance were collected in are greatly disjunct from Drummondita microphylla s.s., this survey, of which five were new populations (Table 1). occurring c. 300 km west of the latter species. This variant These taxa were listed as priority taxa according to the was not described by Wilson (1998) owing to a lack of DEC conservation codes for Western Australia (Atkins flowering material in the Western Australian Herbarium 2006). As a direct consequence of this survey, three of at that time. However, subsequent collections from this these priority taxa (A. karina, A. woodmaniorum and and other recent surveys in the Yalgoo IBRA region Drummondita fulva) were recently described (Maslin & (Markey & Dillon in review; unpublished data) enabled Buscomb 2007; Meissner & Markey 2007). Several of the formal description of this entity as a new species, these priority taxa particularly the perennial shrubs, are Drummondita fulva (Meissner & Markey 2007). largely restricted to outcrops of BIF and associated Drummondita fulva appears to be restricted to the survey metasedimentary rocks. These taxa include Polianthion area, over which it was found to be common on upland collinum, Calytrix uncinata, Micromyrtus trudgenii and sites (particularly within Community type 3, see ‘Floristic M. acuta (Western Australian Herbarium 1998–, Communities’). Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 2007). The ranges of four priority species were extended by Other species (Cryptandra imbricata, Drummondita this survey. The two succulent herbs, Gunniopsis divisa fulva) are more catholic in their occurrence on particular and G. rubra were located c. 200 km and 100 km away substrates. from their respective previously known locations. Both Acacia woodmaniorum is a recently described species species of Gunniopsis were located on colluvial outwash formerly known as Acacia sp. Blue Hills Range (R.J. sites within the western half of the study area. At the time Cranfield 8582), which has taxonomic affinities to Acacia of this survey, this was the third record at the Western alata. It was first collected from the Blue Hills Range in Australian Herbarium (1998–) for the former taxon 1992, but was only described by Maslin and Buscomb (excluding entities that have been recently identified as (2007) after recent collections from both this study and Gunniopsis aff. divisa (R. Meissner, pers. comm. 4). surveys by Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd (2007). This species appears to be restricted to steep, 3 Cathy Godden: Consultant Botanist, Woodman Environmental Consulting massive outcrops of BIF on Windaning Hill proper, PTY LTD, Perth. Windaning Ridge and part of the adjacent Blue Hills 4 Rachel Meissner: Research Scientist, Western Australian Department of Range. However, it does not occur on Mt Karara Environment and Conservation, Science Division, Woodvale Flora and vegetation of Tallering 127

Another collection of Gunniopsis divisa was made of the latter taxon (Jessop 1981). Therefore, the following this survey, located some five km south of the Western Australian material may represent a closely collection from this survey (D. Coultas s.n.), which brings related taxon (i.e. Calotis aff. cuneifolia (A. Markey the total to three known locations for this species. & S. Dillon 3447). In this survey, Calotis aff. Two of the other priority species found in this survey cuneifolia was located on ironstone hill slopes also occur on BIF hills c. 70 km west of Mt Karara, these growing in dense patches of leaf litter under mulga being Austrostipa blackii and Millotia dimorpha. The shrubland. former taxon is now known from several locations across • Lepidosperma sp. (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3468) is southwest Western Australia, its range having been distributed primarily on ironstone substrates on extended by previous surveys (Gibson & Lyons 2001a). Karara Station, and appears to be endemic to the The latter, Millotia dimorpha is a small annual previously south west of the study area5 (Woodman only known from hills of Koolanooka (C.A. Gardner Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 2007). It has 2680B) and adjacent Kadji Kadji station (W.E. Blackall taxonomic affinities to the L. costale species complex & C.A. Gardner WEB 744). Several decades after these and the most closely related taxon to it is initial collections, it was relocated on the Koolanooka and Lepidosperma sp. Koolanooka (K.R. Newbey 9336) Perenjori hills in 2005 (Meissner & Caruso 2008). This (R. Barrett, pers. comm.4). This latter taxon is also survey located a new population of this species on the an ironstone endemic, and appears to be restricted slopes of Mt Karara. to the banded iron formations of Perenjori and This current survey did not locate eleven priority taxa Koolanooka Hills (Meissner & Caruso 2008; R. (Calandrinia kalanniensis (P2), Chamelaucium sp. Barrett, unpublished data4). Further taxonomic work Yalgoo (Y. Chadwick 1916) (P1), Eurymyrtus patrickiae, is required to both formally describe and clarify Grevillea globosa (P3), Grevillea scabrida (P3), Grevillea relationships among these taxa of Lepidosperma. subtiliflora (P1), Melaleuca barlowii (P1), Micromyrtus • Two unusual variants of Eremophila were collected racemosa var. mucronata, Spartothamnella sp. Helena & from the eastern-most outwash communities on rocky Aurora Range (P.G. Armstrong 155–109) (P3), plains, both of which require further work to resolve Stenathemum poicilum (P2) and Hydrocotyle sp. Warriedar their taxonomic relationships and distribution. One (P.G. Wilson 12267) (P1), which known from the area was an unusual variant of Eremophila playcalyx (E. from previous flora surveys of mining tenements in the cf. platycalyx A. Markey & S. Dillon 3337) with study area (Gindalbie Pty Ltd 2004; Woodman greatly enlarged calyces. However, Eremophila Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 2004a, 2007). Most playcalyx is a highly variable species, and this extreme of these taxa have been located by these surveys on the form may be still within this range of variation. lowlands surrounding the BIF ranges. • The second entity, Eremophila sp. (A. Markey & S. Undescribed taxa Dillon 3338), could not be matched to any known species within the collections of the Western Several taxa were identified in this survey which had Australian Herbarium. It has affinities to E. georgei affinities to known taxa, but were sufficiently and E. clarkei because of sigmoidally shaped and morphologically distinct to consider as new entities. Most flattened pedicel and serrated leaf margins, however, of these have been subsequently formally described (see this entity differs from the former two taxa by having above), but five entities require further taxonomic work a deeper purple flower colour and narrower, shorter to resolve their status. Some of these taxa may warrant leaves with highly recurved leaf margins that gave further consideration for conservation listing as they appear the leaves a terete appearance. Furthermore, E. clarkei to be restricted to the study area. has simple, sometimes dendritic hairs on sepals, whilst • The discovery of an entity with affinities to Calotis this variant has glandular hairs. cuneifolia was surprising in that the latter taxon is common in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Putative Hybrids New South Wales (Jessop 1981), yet is known from only two locations in Western Australia. These two Several putative hybrids were identified, their surmised locations are Perrin Vale station (c. 323 km east from from morphological characters. A putative hybrid of Windaning Ridge) and one 1903 collection in the Cheilanthes cf. lasiophyllum x sieberi (A. Markey & S. Dillon general vicinity of ‘Cue’ (c. 235 km north east of 3048) was collected, and this is the first collection of a Windaning Ridge). This represents a significant putative hybrid within this genus in Western Australia. disjunction from the eastern Australian populations. Hybridisation and polyploidy has been documented Further examination of these two Western Australia among species in North America (Wagner & Gilbert 1957) accessions and material collected during this survey and Europe (Knobloch et al. 1975), however recent found this Western Australian entity to be different publications only document polyploidy among Australian from the eastern Australian Calotis cuneifolia s.s., in species (Tindale & Roy 2002). The hybrid, Senna glutinosa that the former is a diminutive annual which possess a habit more akin to that of Calotis hispidula than that of the taller, robust, perennial, herbaceous habit 5 R. Barrett: PhD Candidate, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Perth 128 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

ssp. chatelainiana x charlesiana (A. Markey & S. Dillon known collection at the Western Australian Herbarium 3413) is another new putative hybrid, although hybrids (1998–). A number of these were notable in that these within Senna complex are well documented (Randall & were new records for these species in the Yalgoo subregion, Barlow 1998). including: Austrodanthonia sp. Goomalling (A.G. A number of intergrades between taxa were identified Gunness et al. OAKP 10/63), Davesia hakeoides subsp. in this survey. Intergrades among the subspecies of both subnuda, Hydrocotyle callicarpa, Trachymene pilosa, Allocasuarina acutivalvis and Eucalpytus leptopoda are Podolepis gardneri, Einadia nutans subsp. eremaea, known for the study region, as this coincides with an area Maireana marginata, Centrolepis aristata, Crassula where the two subspecies co-occur (M. French, pers. closiana and Pleurosorus rutifolius. The nearest known comm.6 ; Wilson & Johnson 1989). Similarly, integrades location of Cheilanthes brownii was 200 km north of the of Maireana planifolia x villosa are known from areas survey area, with the majority of collections from the far where the parental species co-occur (Wilson 1984). Some northern regions of Western Australia. Both Cheilanthes of these intermediate forms may represent distinct taxa brownii and Cheilanthes adiantoides have been poorly (P. Wilson, pers. comm.7 ). collected from the Murchison Region, which may reflect In the case of Prostanthera althoferi ssp. althoferi x poor collection and confusion with Cheilanthes serica (intergrade), this intergrade has the greatest affinity austrotenuifolia and C. sieberi subsp. sieberi rather than to P. campbellii, P. sericea and P. althoferi ssp. althoferi, actual scarcity. Greater range extensions of c. 250 – 400 although the terete, villous and relatively wide (2 mm) km beyond the currently known range were recorded for leaves place this as distinct from these three taxa (c.f. Conn Calotis aff cuneifolia, Crassula tetramera, Sclerolaena 1988). One putative parental taxon (Prostanthera sericea) microcarpa, Senecio gregorii, Stylidium perpusillum and is not known from the Yalgoo subregion, although a Sida ectogama. similar species (Prostanthera campbellii) is more widespread and possibly involved. A range of intermediate Floristic Communities forms between these three species have been collected from over a wide area over the northern and eastern goldfields. Prior to analysis, fifteen taxa had to be amalgamated into seven species complexes for floristic analyses as there was Endemic Taxa some difficulty in differentiating between closely related taxa owing to quality of flowering material (e.g. the Velleia Nine endemic and near endemic taxa were identified cycnopotamica / rosea complex), the presence of within the study area, (a regional endemic being defined intergrades (e.g. Eucalyptus leptopoda subsp. arctata and as restricted to an area within a 100 km radius, and near Eucalyptus leptopoda subsp. elevata) or when varieties were endemics being defined having most populations located closely related and were more informative when combined within a 100 km radius with one – two outlying, disjunct at a higher taxonomic level (e.g. the three forms of populations) these being; Millotia dimorpha, Lepidosperma Haloragis odontocarpa). The Acacia aneura species sp. (Markey & Dillon 3468), Acacia karina, Acacia complex was resolved to morphotypes which approximate woodmaniorum, Micromyrtus trudgenii, Micromyrtus the varieties described by Pedley (2001), as the mulga acuta, Wurmbea sp. Paynes Find, Caladenia petrensis, complex (Acacia aneura and allied species) is currently Polianthion collinum and Drummondita fulva. Seven of being reviewed by Miller et al. (2002). these nine taxa are listed as priority taxa (Table 1), and Three hundred and ninety taxa were recorded from three taxa appear to be mostly or wholey restricted to the 103 quadrats within the survey area, of which 180 were south-western corner of the survey area (Acacia karina, annual taxa while 46 perennial taxa were recorded from Acacia woodmaniorum, Lepidosperma sp. (Markey & only one quadrat. Preliminary analyses found that Dillon 3468). Information to date would suggest that singletons and annuals had little overall effect on Acacia woodmaniorum and Lepidosperma sp. (A. Markey community classification, apart from enhancing the & S. Dillon 3468) are endemic to Jasper Hill, Mt Karara separation of outwash sites from hillslopes. These taxa were and Windaning Ridge (Woodman Environmental omitted, leaving 164 taxa in the dataset (42 % of total Consulting Pty Ltd 2007). taxa). ‘2-Stage’ comparison (Clark & Gorley 2006) of resemblance matrices found 89% correlation between the Range extensions data matrix with all taxa (singletons and annuals) and the perennial dataset used in final analyses. For the 103 Range extensions of over 100 km were found for a total quadrats, the average species richness per quadrat was 48.8 of 21 species, 17 of which are not listed as threatened. ± 10.5 taxa per quadrat, and ranged from 26 to 79 taxa There were eleven species collected which represent a range per quadrat. For the final dataset, there was an average of extension of c. 100 – 200 km from closest, previously 23.3 ± 4.9 shared perennial taxa per quadrats (range 9 – 37 taxa per quadrat). 6 Malcom French: Research Associate, Western Australian Department of The floristic classification of the 103 quadrats resulted Environment and Conservation, Western Australian Herbarium, in their ordering into eight community types and subtypes, Kensington which is illustrated by a summary dendrogram in Figure 7 Paul Wilson: Research Associate, Western Australian Department of 2. Five main community types were recognised, with three Environment and Conservation, Western Australian Herbarium, Kensington of these communities (1, 4 and 5) further divided into Flora and vegetation of Tallering 129

The primary division separates floristic communities on lower slopes, footslopes, colluvial outwashes and plains (type 5) from those on hillslopes, crests and upland plateaux (types 1, 2, 3 and 4). Hence, the first major distinction was between the lowland tall open Acacia shrublands and Eucalyptus woodlands from the shrublands and thickets on the hillslopes and uplands. This division is also discernable on the sorted two-way table ordered by the site and species classification (Appendix 2), and is particularly evident in Species groups G, J and L. Below this primary level of divergence, four floristic communities were identified for the crests, slopes and foothills on the ironstones of the Tallering Land System. The second major division separated Community types 1 and 2 from Community types 3 and 4, which coincides with the segregation of the southern and western sites with richer loamy soils from the eastern and northern sites in drier situations (outcrops) and on more skeletal soils. This division is associated with Species Group H, and, to a lesser extent, group G (Appendix 2). Community type 1 was a relatively wide-ranging community found from Mt Karara to the northern and eastern limits of the study area. It consists of both the lower slope Acacia shrublands with emergent Eucalyptus woodlands and upper hillslope and crest shrublands. This community is subdivided according to floristic differences associated with topographical position. Community type 1a occurs on ironstone substrates that were low in the landscape (at an average altitude of 361 m), either on the lower slopes of hills, small massive outcrops of banded ironstone formation or low rises in the upland peneplains. It is distributed from Mt Karara to the strikes of BIF north of Minjar Hill and east to the footslopes of Warriedar Hill, but was absent from the extreme south-east extent of the study area. Community type 1a is differentiated from Community type 1b by being relatively species poor (Appendix 2), and lacking good representation of the ubiquitous Species Group G. The majority of species from Species Groups H and I are well represented. There is an average of 38.9 ± 2.6 total taxa Figure 2. Summary dendrogram of floristic community types per quadrat, of which there is a correspondingly poor of the Central Tallering Land System, resolved from classifi- number of annuals (19.5 ± 5.3 taxa / quadrat). Common cation analysis of a presence / absence data matrix of 164 per- and significant indicator species (Table 2) include Acacia ennial taxa from 103 quadrats. The dendrogram is resolved coolgardiensis subsp. latior and Acacia sibiana in the to the five group level, with subtypes resolved in Community dominant stratum, over the shorter shrubs, Aluta aspera types 1, 4 and 5. subsp. hesperia, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Philotheca desertii subsp. desertii and Hemigenia sp. Cue (K.F. Kenneally 47A). Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei and the rockfern, Cheilanthes adiantoides are characteristic distinctive subtypes (Figure 2). Therefore, the floristic understorey species for both this community, and communities have been resolved at two levels, these being Community types 1b and 2. Being a lowland community, the five and eight group levels. The classification also this community included emergent trees such as Callitris resolved the 164 species into twelve Species Groups columellaris, Eucalyptus ewartiana, E. leptopoda, and open (Appendix 2). These decisions on selecting levels within tall shrublands of Acacia (A. aneura, A. ramulosa var. the site and species dendrograms were based on ramulosa and A. coolgardiensis subsp. latior). dendrogram topographies, the two way table (Appendix Community type 1b is the most common and widespread 2) and field observations. INDVAL statistics are presented community type, and consists of the typical, speciose in Table 2, and statistically significant indicator taxa (as shrublands which occur on the shallow, loamy soils of determined from the Monte Carlo routine at the eight hillslopes and isolated ridges throughout the survey area. group level) are also marked in Appendix 2. This community type typically consists of Acacia (A. 130 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

sibiana, A. ramulosa var. ramulosa) and Allocasuarina which replaces Acacia assimilis subsp. assimilis as a dominated shrublands and thickets over a rich shrub dominant shrub in the northern extent of the study site. understorey, and often with emergent trees of Eucalyptus Other notable and significant indicator species include and Melaleuca leiocarpa. Community type 1b was found Eremophila glutinosa, Melaleuca hamata (rarely to usually occur on gently sloping hillslopes that were encountered, with both occurrences in this community moderately high in landscape (average altitude 399 ± 5 type), Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Mirbelia bursarioides, m. However, it was found at all levels along the Cheiranthera filifolia var. simplicifolia, Drummondita topographical profile as this vegetation unit was repeated fulva, Prostanthera patens and Thryptomene costata (Table on foothills of outcropping BIF. There is good 2, Appendix 2). Many of these taxa are in either Species representation from Species Groups G, H and, in Groups G or E which, together with Group I, constitute particular, group I, which distinguish this group from the main species groups associated with this community Community Type 1a. Characteristic and common species type. An absence of taxa from Group D distinguishes include Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei, Mirbelia Community type 3 from type 4. bursarioides, Philotheca sericea, Eremophila clarkei, Community type 4 occurs on rocky ridges and tors usually Prostanthera magnifica and Cheilanthes adiantoides (Table in the east and north of the study area. As with Community 2, Appendix 1). type 1, the division of this community into subtypes also Community type 2 is found relatively high in the corresponds with topography. landscape, on moderate – very steep, rocky inclines and Community type 4a consists of open stands of Callitris facing a range of aspects. This community is restricted in collumelaris and sparse shrublands located at the highest its distribution, being located only on the slopes of Mt points in the landscape on steep, rocky or boulder-strewn Karara and the far western slopes on Windaning Ridge ridges, cliffs and tors with shallow, loamy soils (Table 3). (near the old Mungada minesite). Whilst most typical of This community was found on the east-facing steep cliffs upper slopes, this community type is also repeated low in of Windaning Ridge, rocky upper slopes of Pinyalling Hill, the landscape on low ridges of exposed ironstone on lower two foothill sites on Mt Karara and on the slopes and foothills. It consists of a range of shrublands metasedimentary rocks (psammitic and peltic – semi peltic) and thickets over an understorey rich in shrubs, and as of Warriedar Hill (cf. Lipple et al. 1983). It is a very species such was moderately species rich (average total 50.9 ± 7.3 rich community (54.8 ± 9.4 taxa per quadrat), with much taxa / quadrat). Annuals were particularly abundant in of this richness being contributed by annuals (Table 3). this community type in the, averaging 27.6 ± 5.3 annual Typical and consistent species in this community type are taxa per quadrat (Table 3). Significant indicator species in Species Groups G and I, whilst taxa from Species Group include the tall shrubs Allocasuarina acutivalvis, Melaleuca H are conspicuously absent. Species group C is particular nematophylla, Grevillea paradoxa and Gastrolobium to sites on Warriedar Hill, which may possibly reflect the laytonii and the low shrubs Aluta aspera subsp. hesperia, underlying geology. Notable and significant indicator and Xanthosia bungei (Table 2). Of particular note is the species include those characteristic of rocky terrain, namely presence of the sedge, Lepidosperma sp. (A. Markey and the shrubs Calycopeplus pauciflorus, Dodonaea petiolaris S. Dillon 3468), which was restricted to this community and Dodonaea viscosa, the rockferns, Cheilanthes sieberi type on Mt Karara. Taxa in species Group F and a subset subsp. sieberi, Cheilanthes lasiophyllum and Pleurosorus of Species Groups D both are characteristic of Community rutifolius and the herbaceous Isotoma petraea (Table 2, type 2, with many of the taxa in the former group being Appendix 2). The latter three species were infrequent but largely restricted to this community on the slopes of Mt faithful to this community type. Karara and Windaning Ridge (e.g. Mirbelia microphylla, Community type 4b appears to be restricted to the Eucalyptus petraea and Calothamnus gilesii, Grevillea eastern regions of the survey area, on the slopes of paradoxa and Persoonia hexagona and Acacia karina. Pinyalling, Walagnumming, Warriedar and Chulaar Hills. Community type 3 consists of sparse shrublands on the Although still rocky, this community occurs on gentle – crests and moderately steep slopes of low escarpments, moderate slopes with less exposed bedrock and more ridges and outcrops of BIF. Sites are typically rocky and collvium than Community type 4a. Structurally, the situated moderately high in the landscape (at an average vegetation consists of tall shrublands of Acacia ramulosa altitude of 406 m). This community is located var. ramulosa or Acacia aneura with a sparse shrub predominantly in the northern and eastern parts of the understorey. This community type was located over the survey area, particularly on the low ridges on Badja Station topographical profile of hills, from lower slopes to crests. in addition to the top plateau of Windaning Ridge. The It is relatively more species depauperate than type 4a underlying geology consists of both banded iron formation and lacks representation from across Groups A to F and paler, weathered sedimentary siltstones and cherts. It (Table 3, Appendix 2). However, there is still good is a moderately species rich community, with an average representation in groups G and I. Characteristic indicator of 48.3 ± 10.3 taxa per quadrat, albeit relatively low in species include Acacia aneura var. cf. major and Acacia annuals (21.2 + 5.4 taxa per quadrat, Table 3). umbraculiformis in the dominant stratum over the low Characteristic species include those which grow in fissures shrubs and herbaceous perennials, Phyllanthus erwinii, of exposed pavements of BIF such as Stylidium Ptilotus drummondii var. drummondii, Sida sp. Golden longibracteatum, Micromyrtus trudgenii and Calytrix calyces glabrous fruit (H.N. Foote 32), and Solanum uncinata (Table 2). Also of note is Acacia aulacophylla, ellipticum (Table 2). Flora and vegetation of Tallering 131

As previously mentioned, Community type 5 was the relatively depauperate (c. 12 perennial species per quadrat), group of sites found to have the highest dissimilarity to and are considered to be a subset of the surrounding other sites in the dataset. This community was further vegetation within a structural mosaic of vegetation on the resolved into two subtypes, as is shown in the sorted two- lower slopes and undulating uplands. These patches of way table (Appendix 2). Community type 5a typically vegetation were not fully sampled in this survey because consists of shrublands on rocky terrain and exposed low of this low species richness. However, such low heaths tors of bedrock on footslopes and peneplains, whilst and dense shrublands around ironstone belts harbour Community type 5b is associated with flatter terrain, a species of conservation significance (e.g. Micromyrtus sparser covering of surface gravels and no exposed bedrock. acuta). Community type 5a consists of open Eucalyptus woodlands and sparse Eremophila or Acacia shrublands Environmental Correlates over sparse, low chenopod shrubs. Being located in the depositional part of the landscape, this community receives Univariate Analyses colluvium from the adjacent uplands. The substrate consists of readily eroding siltstone, cherts, and other The elements cadmium, molybdenum and boron were sedimentary rocks which have been exposed from under omitted from analysis owing to levels being below the layers of more resistant BIF. This is a species rich limit of instrument detection in over half of the soil community (53.1 ± 17.2 taxa per quadrat), and is relatively samples. The remaining soil elemental concentrations, soil richer in annual taxa (29.0 ± 14.8 taxa per quadrat) than pH and effective cation exchange capacity (eCEC) were Community type 5b (Table 3). There is consistent compared for intercorrelation, and correlation with site representation from species group L, and the significant physical and climatic variables, using the non-parametric indicator species include Acacia erinacea, Enchylaena Spearman rank correlation coefficient (Table 3). Soil pH, lanata / tomentosa, Eremophila oldfieldii subsp. oldfieldii, eCEC and elemental concentrations (except lead) were E. oppositifolia subsp. angustifolia, Senna sp. Austin, intercorrelated, the highest correlation being among Maireana carnosa, and a number of species of Sclerolaena eCEC, calcium and magnesium. Most soil elements were (Table 2). This community was encountered on two not correlated with physical parameters, although iron and distinctive footslope sites from Mt Karara and at various phosphorus were positively correlated with topography. locations over Badja station. As expected, climate variables were all highly Community type 5b is comprised of lowland open intercorrelated, and there was a significant correlation Eucalyptus woodlands and Acacia ramulosa var. ramulosa between these and both latitude and altitude. With the shrublands over sparse shrubs of Senna, Ptilotus obovatus exception of surface fragment abundance, there was also var. obovatus, Scaevola spinescens and chenopods. These a high degree of intercorrelation among the physical occur on gently sloping – flat lower slopes and outwash parameters (eg: slope, topographic position, rock size and plains, on deeper red earths. Whilst occurring in the north cover) (Table 4). and west of the study area, the community is absent from The soils for the survey area were found to be acidic ≤ eastern sites, possibly being replaced by the eastern stony (pH 5.1), which has been reported for shallow, stony shrublands within Community type 5a (see above). The soils within the larger Sandstone – Paynes Find area significant indicator species include Eucalyptus kochii (Hennig 1998b). Differences in soil parameters were subsp. amaryssia, Maireana planifolia x villosa, Olearia expected to correlate with floristic community and humilis, and the two characteristic species of Senna, S. topographical position. Non-parametric analysis of charlesiana and S. artemisioides subsp. filifolia (Table 2). variance found significant differences in values for all soil This community differs from type 5a by the more consist variables among the eight floristic community types (Table presence of taxa from Species group I, distinctive taxa 3). Soil parameter values were the lowest for Community from Species Groups H and J fewer taxa from Species type 1a and, to a lesser extent, Community types 1b and Group L (Appendix 2). 4b. Conversely, high values were found in various soil parameters for Community types 3, 4a, 5a and 5b. Other communities not in classification Therefore, the soils from sites classified as Community type 1a were the most acidic, had the lowest eCEC and A distinctive structural vegetation community was low concentrations of exchangeable cations and minerals. observed in this survey that has been described previously These values correspond to leached, skeletal red earths in flora surveys in the area around Windaning Ridge over weathered, exposed bedrock high in the landscape. (Bennett Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 2003, Low pH may be associated with both products of Woodman Environmental Consulting 2004a). These low ironstone weathering and low levels of basic cations (cf. dense shrublands and heaths occur on the lower slopes Gray & Murphy 2002). Soils from Community types 5a and upland plateaux, and appear to occur on shallow and 2 were trending to being relatively less acidic, and gravels over a sheet of bedrock which prevents the soils within Community type 5a and 5b were high in establishment of taller shrubs. Only one or two species of minerals such Na, Ca, Mg, Ni and S. These high-mineral, myrtaceous shrub were dominant; such as Micromyrtus less acidic soils can be largely attributed to topographic acuta, Thryptomene costata and Aluta aspera subsp. position, where these sites are enriched by colluvium, hesperia. Otherwise, these patches of vegetation were leachates and clay (Gray & Murphy 2002). Soils from 132 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

Community types 2 and 4a had high eCEC levels and some difficulty in reducing the data to three dimensions. relatively high levels of various elements, notably Ca, K, Sites from Community types 5a and 5b have the greatest Mg, P, Fe and Zn (Table 3). Such high levels in these separation from the other community types in the rocky, upland sites may related to in situ soil development ordination, and five sites within Community type 5a are from weathering of the parental rock (cf. Gray & Murphy particularly distinct from the main spread of the ordination. 2002). It was observed that upland rocky sites did It is noted that two sites from the eastern stony plains accumulate rich loams in rock crevices that trapped organic around Pinyalling Hill are relatively dissimilar in floristic material and moisture, and high numbers of annuals were composition to other, more western sites within associated with such microsites for Community types 2 Community type 5a (Figure 3b), which was also observed and 4a (Table 3). in the entire site classification dendrogram (results not From a comparison of physical site parameters among shown). Further sampling of these eastern stony plains the community types, there were significant differences may determine if these eastern areas support a distinct among groups for altitude, slope, topographical position floristic community. and various estimates of exposed bedrock, loose rock and Principal component correlation (PCC) found leaf litter cover (Table 3). On average, Community type significant correlations between the majority of 4a occurs on sites with the steepest gradient, highest environmental variables and the ordination (Figure 3). altitudes, large surface rocks and high cover of exposed There are two major trends across the ordination which bedrock. Community types 2 and 3 also are associated are generally orthogonal to one another; one that is with rocky, high topographical positions and altitudes, associated with a gradient of soil chemistry, and a second but occur on less steep slopes, at lower topographical general trend associated with site physical parameters positions and with reduced amounts of exposed bedrock (especially topographical position, slope and substrate). (Table 3). Community types 1b and 4b occur at lower Among these site physical parameters, topography is the altitudes and are associated with moderate gradients and least correlated with the other variables. The association less exposed bedrock. Community types 5a and 1a occur of the trends across the ordination and with community at the lowest altitudes, and 1a, 5a and 5b occupy the lowest types reiterates most of the findings from the univariate topographical positions with a reduced gradient. Sites comparisons. As indicated by their co-linearity, groups of within these latter community types (particularly 1a and soil variables are highly correlated (Figure 3, Table 4). 5b) have significantly smaller surface rocks and a lower One suite of correlated soil parameters (Co, Cu, eCEC, percentage cover of exposed bedrock (Table 3). Ca, Mg, Na, Ni, S and K) aligns with Community Types There were differences in climatic variables among the 5a and 5b, which are sites of high overall soil mineral community types, although the differences in average content. Sites from these communities, particularly annual temperatures were low (< 1º C) and may not be Community Type 5b, also coincide with a region biologically meaningful (Table 3). There were significant associated with low topographic position. Sites trending differences in latitude and longitude among the to the lower end of the nutrient gradient and also higher community types (Table 3), and this may partially relate leaf litter levels belong to Community types 1a, 1b and 2. to climate, as geographical location and climate are Only Community Type 4a aligns closely with the high intercorrelated (Table 4). Community Type 2 is the most end of the gradient for slope and rockiness, whilst geographically restricted community, being associated with Community type 3 is associated with this region to a lesser the south-western part of the region where the climate is degree. Another trio of nutrients (Fe, Zn and P) are co- significantly cooler and wetter (Table 3). Community Type linear with both slope and maximum rock fragment size. 1a and 3 are located predominantly in northern sites Together, these environmental parameters are positively associated with higher temperatures but average rainfall, correlated with sites from Community types 3, 4a and whilst Community Type 4b is occurs in the north-east of 4b. Community Type 2 aligns with the high extremes of the study area with the lowest average rainfall. The the rainfall gradient, whilst Community types 4a and 4b remaining communities (1b, 4a, 5a and 5b) are located are at the drier extreme. This stronger association of over the extent of the study area where temperatures and Community type 2 with a rainfall and latitudinal gradient rainfall are within the middle range of estimates, except could explain why Community Type 2 was not closely for Community Type 4a which has the lowest average associated the gradient of physical parameters, as would rainfall estimates among the communities (Table 3). have been expected from the univariate analyses. Within Community Type 5a, two distinctive sites on the eastern stony plains are associated with a relatively more arid climate. DISCUSSION SSH MDS Ordination Flora Semi strong hybrid multidimensional scaling (SSH MDS) Recent surveys of BIF and greenstone ranges of the Yilgarn of the site floristic data was used to illustrate graphically Craton are finding these arid landforms to be floristically compositional differences among the sites that had been richer than previously considered (Gibson et al. 2007). classified into their respective floristic community types This survey of several ranges within the Central Tallering (Figure 3). The stress level (0.22) indicates that there was land System recorded 414 taxa in a season which was Flora and vegetation of Tallering 133

Figure 3. Ordination and vector diagrams of the three dimensional solution from SSH MDS of the central Tallering Land .(ן System floristic dataset. Quadrats (sites) are labelled by community type (1a ⅜, 1b ⅷ, 2 छ, 3 Ⅺ, 4a ᮡ, 4b ⌬, 5a +, 5b Vectors indicating best linear fit of the variables are drawn in positive direction. Only vectors with a significant correlation (from MCAO) are illustrated, with the level of significance for each parameter indicated by asterisks (* = p < 0.05, ** = p < 0.01, *** = p < 0.001). See methods for explanation of codes for environmental parameters. a: Ordination axes 1 versus 2, b: Ordination axes 1 versus 3. notable for its abundance of annuals following good Range (Gibson 2004b) to 345 taxa in the southern rainfall in the preceding months. Within Mt Karara, Forrestiana greenstone belt (Gibson 2004a). Moving from Windaning Ridge and Jasper Hill alone, 335 taxa are the interzones to the interior of the Eremaean province, documented. A similar survey in the nearby Koolanooka species counts from similar, quadrat-based surveys are and Perenjori hills (70 km west of Mt Karara) recorded lower for BIF ranges in the northern goldfields. In the 238 taxa (Meissner & Caruso 2008) and 235 taxa were Murchison IBRA, this number ranges from 173 to 244 recorded from BIF ranges in the Gullewa region (55 km taxa (Markey & Dillon 2008, Meissner et al. in review). northwest of Mt Karara). (Markey & Dillon in review). These relatively high species counts for the Central Quadrat based surveys in the eastern goldfields report Tallering Land System are elevated, in part, by high counts numbers of taxa ranging from 238 taxa in the Mt Manning of winter annuals, but they also suggest that these BIF 134 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

landforms within the Central Tallering Land System are systems (the Windaning and Gnows Nest Systems). This particularly speciose, especially around Mt Karara, study supports the distinctiveness of the Windaning Windaning Hill and the Blue Hills Range. System, but further resolves eight distinct floristic As would be expected for the interzonal nature of the communities within and among these two systems, and Yalgoo bioregion (Beard 1976a; Environment Australia within the larger context of the central Tallering Land 2000; Thackway & Cresswell 1995), the total flora of the System. While some communities were found to be study region has affinities to both the speciose and mesic relatively widespread over the study area, there was South West and arid Eremaean Botanical Provinces / evidence to suggest a regional differentiation of Floristic Regions described by Beard (1976a, 1990) and communities across the study area which is aligned along Hopper and Gioia (2004). A high proportion of the taxa an east-west and north-south gradient. This coincides with recorded within the study area are at the southern or a serial replacement of species over the extent of the area western limits of their distribution (e.g. Ptilotus aervoides, (e.g. Persoonia hexagona is replaced by Persoonia Gnephosis arachnoidea and Senna glaucifolia), others are manotricha in the north east of the area). Most notably, at their northern limits (e.g. Ptilotus drummondii var. Community type 1 (a & b) are replaced by Community drummondii, Alyxia buxifolia and Centrolepis aristata) type 4 (a & b) over a north-eastern gradient. There is also and another subset of the flora are characteristic of this a transition within Community type 5, where the lowland interzonal region bordering the two provinces (e.g. Eucalpytus woodlands of Community type 5b are replaced Erymophyllum glossanthus, Bellida graminea and in the far eastern extent of the study area by a variant of Chamaexeros macrantha). These range extensions and new Community type 5a, which may be an under-sampled and records for the Yalgoo bioregion are a consequence of possibly different community type. These Acacia increased collecting efforts. These findings also continue shrublands on the eastern stony plains were sampled a trend for the discovery of species in the transitional around Pinyalling and Walagnumming Hills, and may regions of the Eremaean that were previously considered occur from the base of Walagnumming Hill to further to be endemic to the South West Botanical Province / north around the vicinity of Fields Find and the Floristic Region (Hopper & Gioia 2004). Bullajungadean Hills. The flora and floristic communities of the central Although only c. 55 km apart, the slopes and crests of Tallering Land System are dominated by wide-ranging Mt Karara, Pinyalling and Warriedar Hills habour relatively taxa, with relatively few endemic or disjunctly distributed dissimilar communities. Of note is Community type 2, taxa. Of the nine endemic and near endemic taxa identified, which was located only on the slopes of Mt Karara and five of these are restricted to the southwest corner. Other western face of Windaning Ridge and, with more sampling, surveys have found from none to five endemic taxa on may be located on ironstone ridges between Mt Karara greenstone and BIF ranges in the northern and eastern and Windaning Ridge. Even within this community there goldfields (Gibson et al. 2007). Within the wider region were differences in particular species and species groups of the northern Yilgarn, the central Tallering Land System, between Mt Karara and Windaning Hill (e.g. Persoonia especially the Mt Karara – Windaning area, is comparatively hexagona was only located on Mt Karara, whilst Acacia rich in endemic and near endemic taxa. woodmaniorum was not located on Mt Karara). Such Trends in endemism and species diversity on BIF ranges geographical variation (east – west) within this community across the Central Tallering land system are on a small type has been confirmed by subsequent surveys (Woodman scale relative to the wider region, but mirror those Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 2007). documented for other BIF ranges and granite outcrops in The findings of this study reiterate those from other the Yilgarn Craton, and in the overall southern Western studies (e.g. Gibson 2004 a, b; Gibson & Lyons 1998, Australian flora (Beard 1976a, 1990; Gibson et al. 2007; Markey & Dillon 2008), that there are differences in Hopper et al. 1997; Hopper & Gioia 2004). A floristic composition of the communities among the combination of fluctuations in climate and a trend for greenstone and BIF ranges of the Yilgarn Craton. increasing aridity during the Tertiary, stochastic events Therefore, BIF ranges tend to harbour unique or (dispersal, survival and extinctions) and evolutionary geographically restricted communities (Gibson et al. processes have been postulated to account for the high 2007). The nearest ironstone ranges west of the study species diversity and endemism in the South West Floristic area are the Koolanooka Hills, some 70 km west of Mt Region, in which ancient rock outcrops and ranges act as Karara, which share with the latter range some restricted isolated refugia and sites of speciation (Hopper et al. 1997, taxa such as Millotia dimorpha. However, when the Hopper & Gioia 2004). This hypothesis has been applied perennial flora of both ranges is combined and compared, to account for patterns of species distribution and there is nearly 30 % difference in species (30 of 98 taxa) endemism observed in the interzonal regions of the (data from Meissner and Caruso (2008)). Furthermore, Eremaean (Gibson & Lyons 1998; Gibson et al. 2007). the communities described for the Koolanooka Hills, from classification analysis of floristic data, were unlike any Floristic Communities: described in this study for the central Tallering Land System (Meissner & Caruso 2008). Of particular note is Beard (1976b) mapped the Mt Karara, Windaning Ridge the more widespread occurrence of Eucalyptus in the and the southern portion of the Gnows Nest Range at a communities and over the entire topographic profile of scale of 1:250 000, resolving these into two vegetation the Koolanooka Hills. This genus is gradually restricted Flora and vegetation of Tallering 135

to the lower slopes and, eventually, only to outwash sites produce a variety of diverse habitats and microhabitats over a north-east gradient within the central Tallering Land over a relatively short distance within the landform, which System. Acacia and, in particular, Acacia aneura, support a number of different floristic community types. dominates the vegetation communities of the central These communities are composed of generalist taxa that Tallering Land System while it is notably absent from are both widely dispersed over the landform and surrounds Koolanooka. This concurs with Beard’s (1976a, b) (e.g. Acacia aneura, Solanum lasiophyllum), and documentation of the transition from Eucalyptus to Acacia characteristic taxa with a more limited distribution and dominated communities across the Yalgoo region and greater specificity for particular microhabitats. This description of the Murchison region as ‘mulga country’. sequence of communities over the topographic catena (the ‘catenary sequence’ sensu Beard (1976a, 1990)), has been Environmental correlates found in similar surveys on ironstone and greenstone ranges in the northern and eastern goldfields (Gibson The primary division in the classification segregates the 2004a, b; Gibson & Lyons 1998, 2001a, b; Meissner & communities of Eucalyptus woodlands and open Acacia Caruso 2008, Markey & Dillon 2008) and BIF landforms shrublands on lowland – outwash sites from those on the in the arid Pilbara (van Etten & Fox 2004) and in Brazil rocky, steeper terrain higher on the landform. This major (Jacobi et al. 2007). distinction between upland and lowland communities has The turnover of communities among BIF ranges is a been noted in other studies within the greater Yalgoo – trend also noted for granite communities (Hopper et al. Murchison region (Beard 1976a, b; Markey & Dillon in 1997), and has been attributed to a number of possible, review; Pringle 1998). Topographic position is strongly interrelated causes. Geographical position and its associated with other environmental attributes, such as associated climate may have also some bearing on some slope, rock outcrop cover, fragment abundance, bedrock of these communities, and account for their restriction to exposure and soil chemical composition, water retention particular parts of the region. The latitudinal and and soil development (Cole 1973; Gibson 2004a, b; longitudinal transition in floristic communities across the Gibson & Lyons 2001b; Hennig 1998b; this study). central Tallering Land System and within the wider Yalgoo Therefore, the greatest floristic differences coincide with – Murchison region coincides with a climatic gradient of extremes in topographic and environmental gradients. The increasing aridity (Beard 1976a, b). Differences in floristic Central Tallering lowland communities are situated on a composition among ranges may also be associated with deeper soil profile of stony red earths, red clayey sands differences in the physical characteristics of each landform, and ironstone gravels deposited at the base of the such as soil chemistry, geological substrate or topography. landforms, which has been enriched by leachates and Furthermore, these ranges are isolated by expanses of low receives colluvium from the hillsides (Hennig 1998b). This plains, and opportunities for an exchange of species among compares with communities that have developed on the them may be limited. In addition to these possible factors, steeper slopes on exposed, weathered bedrock covered in differences in floristic composition may be a consequence shallow – skeletal stony soils that have formed in situ. of climatic and evolutionary history over the Tertiary and These soils are derived from the parent rock (Cole 1973; Quaternary. Increasing aridity and climatic instability over Gray & Murphy 2002), and the relatively higher levels of these periods has been hypothesised to account for patterns iron and phosphorus in upland soils reflects this process in speciation, endemism and biogeography in the South of soil development from massive BIF. West Floristic Region (Hopper & Goia 2004) and among Although there was a small gradient of increasing soil granite outcrops in this region (Hopper et al. 1997). This pH with decreasing topographic position in the landscape, fluctuating aridity could have worked in combination with soils were generally acidic throughout the survey area. The limited dispersal between ranges, stochastic events of tendency for lower slope outwash sites to have relatively immigration or local extinction, in situ speciation events, less acidic soils probably relates to the higher and range-specific habitats and substrates to account for concentrations of cations and higher eCEC, which buffers biogeographic patterns currently observed in BIF ranges against acidity (Gray & Murphy 2002), whilst skeletal soils of southern Western Australia (Hopper et al. 1997, are being derived directly from heavily weathered rocks. Hopper & Goia 2004). Like granite outcrops (Hopper et Other studies have reported more basic soils (pH > 8.0) al. 1997), BIF ranges in the northern Yilgarn are in outwash locations which have been derived from the biodiversity hotspots, and refugia for endemic or weathering of mafic rocks and calcretes. In turn, these uncommon taxa and floristic communities (Gibson et al. sites support quite distinct vegetation communities (e.g. 2007). Gibson & Lyons 1998, 2001b). Such sites are not reported for this survey because areas of mafic and ultramafic rocks Conservation of the Warriedar Fold Belt were not sampled, these areas being excluded from the Tallering Land System of Payne A number of taxa endemic and near-endemic to the et al. (1998). Such geologies do occur in the eastern part ironstones ranges of the Central Tallering Land System of the area (Lipple et al. 1983), and the vegetation are recommended to have their conservation status communities of these would be interesting to compare reviewed, given their restricted distribution and a potential with the ironstone communities. threat from mineral exploration and mining. In particular, The rapid changes in topography over the BIF ranges it is recommended that the conservation status of Millotia 136 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

dimorpha is revised from P1 to declared rare flora (DRF) Ridge). Tenements for various minerals also exist on all of given that all known populations are under threat from the ironstone and greenstone ranges on adjoining pastoral mining proposals. Both Acacia woodmaniorum and leases on Thundelarra and Badja Stations, and indeed cover Acacia karina were recently listed at priority 2 most of the central Tallering Land System. Proposed conservation status (Maslin & Buscomb 2007), and should exploration and mining activities need to be carefully be considerd for a higher priority or declared rare flora assessed and managed to minimise their impacts on (DRF) listing (B. Maslin, pers. comm.8 ). Although not geographically restricted floristic community types and on restricted to the study region, Calotis aff. cuneifolia is endemic, priority and poorly known taxa which have been recommend for priority listing (P3) as it is only known identified for this region. from three highly disjunct locations, one of which occurs over several exploration or mining tenements. Note: Following the acceptance of this manuscript for Lepidosperma sp. (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3468) requires publication/during the preparation of this manuscript for further taxonomic work before it can be considered for publication, Calotis aff cuneifolia has been given the phrase priority listing, but it is likely that it will be awarded high name Calotis sp. Perrinvale Station (R.J. Cranfield 7096), conservation status (R. Barrett, pers. comm.9 ). and listed as having Priority 3 conservation status. The study area has been subject to over a century of pastoralism, and this would be expected to have had some impact on vegetation condition. However, the study ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS region was found to be relatively weed free and in reasonably good condition, as was found previously by The assistance of the caretakers, Peter and Julie Woodhead Payne et al. (1998). This is to be expected for hilly terrain, of Karara-Lochada-Warriedar Stations, Tom and Roxanne which is not under the same sheep grazing pressure as the Morrissey of Thundelarra Station, and the Roger Pitman lowland plains and paddocks supplied with bores. Annual of Badja Station is gratefully acknowledged. Gindalbie grasses and weedy herbaceous annuals were common in Metals Pty Ktd and Oxiana Pty Ltd are thanked for their most quadrats, the most common annual being support in accessing lands under their tenements. Soil Pentaschistis airoides, which was present in 58% of quadrats. analyses were conducted by David Allen and Katrina Goats were recognised as a serious problem in the Walton at the Chemistry Centre of Western Australia Sandstone – Yalgoo region (Payne et al. 1998). This (CCWA), and their knowledge and enthusiasm is situation has not changed. Goat browsing is evident in all acknowledged. Visitors, volunteers and staff at the Western areas visited, and was noted to be so intense in some area Australian Herbarium are thanked for their assistance with that sampling was abandoned (i.e. Walagnumming Hill). species identifications in their respective fields of expertise; Large flocks (≥ 20 animals) were observed in areas within R. Barrett, A. Brown, G. Brockman, L. Cobb, M. French, weeks following ground-based culls, which suggest a N. Gibson, G. Guerin, M. Hislop, G. Keighery, B. Maslin, requirement for regional control programs. F. Obbens, B. Rye, M. Trudgen, S. van Leeuwen, C. BIF landforms are highly prospectable for minerals, Wilkins, A. Williams and P. Wilson. Cathy Godden and mining would present greatest immediate threat to (Woodman Environmental Consulting) and R. Barrett their unique and endemic floristic communities and flora. (Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority) are thanked for Although BIF ranges constitute a relatively small area of their information on species distributions. Neil Gibson is the Yilgarn Craton, they are specifically targeted by mining thanked for comments on early drafts of the manuscript and very few of these ranges are reserved or have been and providing guidance on survey methodology and proposed for protection within the conservation estate. statistical analyses. The two reviwers are thanked for their The high turnover of species and communities both within input into a later draft of the manuscript. The Western and among these ranges makes the adequate reservation Australian Department of Conservation and Land of such floristic diversity particularly challenging. To date, Management (now known as the Western Australian none of the central Tallering Land System occurs on Department of Environment and Conservation) issued conservation reserve, although the pastoral leases of three collection permits and provided funding for this project. stations within the study area (Karara, Lochada and Warriedar) were purchased by CALM (now DEC) for the purposes of inclusion in the reserves system. These stations REFERENCES are currently Unallocated Crown Land undergoing tenure review. Most of these ex-pastoral stations are covered by Atkins KJ (2006) Declared Rare and Priority Flora list for exploration or mining tenements, and mineral exploration Western Australia. 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Randall BR, Barlow BA (1998) Senna Flora of Australia and Conservation. http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/ 12, Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae. (ed. PM McCarthy), . [Accessed January 2007] pp. 89 – 138. Australian Biological Resources Study, Wilson PG (1984) Chenopodiaceae. In, Flora of Australia. Canberra and CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. Vol 4: Phylolaccacaceae to Chenopodiaceae (ed. AS Rayment GE, Higginson FR (1992) Australian George), pp. 81–330. Australian Government Laboratory Handbook of Soil and water chemical Publishing Service, Canberra, A.C.T. methods. Inkata Press, Melbourne. Wilson PG (1998) Nomenclatural notes and new taxa in Sneath PHA, Sokal RR (1973) Numerical Taxonomy: The the genera Asterolasia, Drummondita and Microcybe Principles and Practice of Numerical Classification. (Rutaceae: Boronieae). Nuytsia 12 (1), 83–88. Freeman, San Francisco. Wilson KL, Johnson LAS (1989) Casuarinaceae, In, Flora Soil and Plant Council Inc. (1999) Soil Analysis – of Australia Volume 3: Hamamelidales to Casuarinales Handbook of Reference Methods. CRC Press, Boca (ed AS George), pp 100–174. Australian Government Raton. Publishing Service, Canberra. Thackway R, Cresswell ID (1995) An interim Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd (2003) biogeographic regionalisation for Australia : a Gindalbie Gold N.L. Vegetation Survey of the Highland framework for setting priorities in the National Reserves Chief and Manaco areas. Minjar Gold Project. System Cooperative Program – Version 4.0. National Gindalbie Gold NL, Perth, W.A. Reserves System Cooperative Program, Australian Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd (2004a) Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. Gindalbie Gold N.L. Mt Karara Flora Survey and Tindale M, Roy SK (2002) A cytotaxonomic survey of Plant Community Mapping. Gindalbie Gold NL, the Pteridophyta of Australia. Australian Systematic Perth, W.A. Botany 15, 839 – 937. Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd (2004b) van Etten EJB, Fox JED (2004) Vegetation classification Gindalbie Gold N.L. Flora and Vegetation Survey of and ordination of the central Hamersley Ranges, the Keronima, Western Corridor, Austin, Mugs Luck, Western Australia. Journal of the Royal Society of Bobby McGee, Apollo and Promises Project Areas. Western Australia 87, 63–79. Gindalbie Gold NL, Perth, W.A. Wagner WH, Gilbert EF (1957) An unusal new Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd (2004c) cheilanthoid fern from California. American Journal Gindalbie Gold N.L. Keronima – Black Dog Flora of Botany 44, 738–743. Survey and Plant Community Mapping. Gindalbie Gold NL, Perth, W.A. Walton K, Allen D (2004) Mehlich No. 3 Soil Test – the Western Australian Experience. In, Abstracts, Supersoil Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd (2007) 2004: 3rd Australian New Zealand Soils Conference, Flora and vegetation of the Karara – Mungada Project University of Sydney, N.S.W. Survey Area. Gindalbie Gold NL, Perth, W.A. Western Australian Herbarium (1998–). FloraBase – The Zar J H (1984) Biostatistical Analysis. 2nd Ed. Prentice- Western Australian Flora. Department of Environment Hall International, New Jersey.

Table 1 Taxa of conservation significance collected within the Central Tallering Land System. Priority conservation status is according to Atkins (2006), and population status refers to whether the population was unknown or known prior to this study. Endemic taxa are defined as those restricted to hills within 100 km radius. IBRA Regions are denoted as: Yal = Yalgoo, Mur = Murchison, AW = Avon Wheatbelt, GS = Geraldton Sandplain (Thackway & Cresswell 1995, Environment Australia 2000). Asterisks indicate that the distribution is centred on Yalgoo IBRA.

Family Taxon Priority status Population status Distribution

Aizoaceae Gunniopsis divisa P1 new population Yal, Mur Aizoaceae Gunniopsis rubra P3 new population Coo, Mur, Yal, AW Asteraceae Millotia dimorpha P1 new population Endemic Asteraceae Rhodanthe collina P1 previously known Yal, AW* Celastraceae Psammomoya implexa P3 previously known YA, AW Mimosaceae Acacia karina P2 new population Endemic Mimosaceae Acacia woodmaniorum P2 previously known Endemic Myrtaceae Calytrix uncinata P3 previously known Yal, Mur Myrtaceae Micromyrtus trudgenii P1 previously known Endemic Myrtaceae Micromyrtus acuta P1 previously known Endemic Poaceae Austrostipa blackii P3 new population Widespread Proteaceae Persoonia pentasticha P2 previously known Yal, GS, AW Rhamnaceae Cryptandra imbricata P3 previously known Mur, Yal, AW* Rhamnaceae Polianthion collinum P3 previously known Endemic Rutaceae Drummondita fulva P3 previously known Endemic 140 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

Table 2 Significant indicator taxa of the eight group classification of BIF landforms within the central Tallering Land System. Indicator values (%) are shown only for taxa which were found to be significant at p ≤ 0.05 from a Monte Carlo permutation test (* = p < 0.05, ** = p < 0.01, *** = p < 0.001). The highest INDVAL statistics per taxon are highlighted.

Floristic Community Type Species 1a 1b 2 3 4a 4b 5a 5b

Acacia coolgardiensis subsp latior * 2211400001 Acacia sibina ** 304601003 Aluta aspera subsp. hesperia ** 3017200400 Cheilanthes adiantoides ** 18 18 18 11 4 3 2 6 Dianella revoluta var. divaricata ** 283000207 Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii * 241000643 Hemigenia sp. Cue * 2031000000 Philotheca deserti subsp. deserti ** 260200000 Thysanotus pyramidalis * 215000021 Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei ** 19 21 1 14 9 11 0 2 Philotheca sericea ** 1 20 6 18 12 17 0 0 Prostanthera magnifica ** 140400200 Acacia karina * 121900000 Acacia assimilis subsp. assimilis * 1272300126 Allocasuarina acutivalvis ** 554640000 Calothamnus gilesii * 002000000 Cyanicula amplexans ** 023300000 Eucalyptus petraea * 002000000 Gastrolobium laytonii ** 003102000 Grevillea paradoxa ** 004700000 Hypoxis glabella var. glabella * 002000000 Lepidosperma sp. (Markey & Dillon 3468) ** 004000000 Leucopogon sp. Clyde Hill * 731710000 Melaleuca nematophylla ** 164730000 Melaleuca radula * 002330000 Mirbelia microphylla * 002000000 Persoonia hexagona ** 003102000 Thysanotus manglesianus ** 13 12 25 0 2 0 0 1 Xanthosia bungei ** 045822000 Acacia aulacophylla ** 0103810430 Arthropodium dyeri * 3 1015203 2 6 2 Astroloma serratifolium * 0 1 10 18 1 0 0 0 Austrodanthonia caespitosa ** 0 1 0246 1190 Calytrix uncinata ** 000300030 Cheiranthera filifolia var. simplicifolia ** 240440131 Drummondita fulva ** 180370000 Eremophila glutinosa ** 010243220 Melaleuca hamata * 000200000 Micromyrtus trudgenii * 0602219100 Mirbelia bursarioides ** 0270325700 Philotheca brucei subsp. brucei ** 388235808 Prostanthera patens ** 0503710000 Stylidium longibracteatum ** 000501020 Thryptomene costata ** 130240800 Austrostipa trichophylla * 0100221467 Calycopeplus paucifolius ** 1817025000 Cheilanthes lasiophylla * 000018000 Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi ** 0100401630 Dodonaea petiolaris * 0001720601 Flora and vegetation of Tallering 141

Table 2 (cont.)

Floristic Community Type Species 1a 1b 2 3 4a 4b 5a 5b

Dodonaea viscosa ** 005040000 Isotoma petraea * 000018000 Acacia aneura var. cf. major ** 794212910 Acacia umbraculiformis ** 120573900 Acacia ramulosa var. ramulosa ** 10 11 0 6 3 23 3 15 Monachather paradoxus * 18 10 1 2 2 19 0 10 Phyllanthus erwinii ** 000002600 Ptilotus drummondii var. drummondii ** 1321402914 Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous fruit** 012086000 Solanum ellipticum ** 0002133111 Solanum lasiophyllum * 024282134 Thryptomene decussata * 030692200 Acacia erinacea ** 000000500 Austrostipa elegantissima * 12051912214 Austrostipa nitida ** 000010420 Enchylaena lanata ** 000155471 Eremophila oldfieldii subsp. oldfieldii ** 000200420 Eremophila oppositifolia subsp. angustifolia ** 000100361 Exocarpos aphyllus ** 000010252 Frankenia setosa ** 000000250 Maireana carnosa ** 000000641 Maireana thesioides ** 000100379 Rhagodia drummondii ** 0000003229 Scaevola spinescens ** 0008004723 Sclerolaena densiflora * 000210250 Sclerolaena diacantha ** 000000302 Sclerolaena fusiformis ** 000000422 Sclerolaena gardneri ** 000000302 Senna sp. Austin ** 101000483 Cryptandra imbricata * 000000020 Eucalyptus kochii subsp. amaryssia ** 002000032 Maireana villosa x planifolia ** 000000040 Maireana georgei * 1000001619 Olearia humilis ** 260300133 Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus ** 00162551025 Senna artemisioides subsp. filifolia ** 000200032 Senna charlesiana ** 011710127

Number of quadrats 12 35 10 10 11 7 8 10 142 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon ruskal ab ab bc bc c bc b b bc bc ab ab ab c a b ab a a a a a abc abc ab ab abc Despite significant

379 ± 9 6.9 ± 0.7 3.1 ± 1.0 1.3 ± 0.1 3.7 ± 0.2 0.1 ± 292 ± 4 3.3 ± 0.2 32.0 ± 5.6 31.6 ± 2.0 79.0 ± 5.8 56.2 ± 0.5 0.32 ± 0.05 1.33 ± 0.16 64.0 ± 10.3 30.7 ± 8.4 20.0 ± 0.1 3.45 ± 0.94 78.4 ± 12.8 0.24 ± 0.04 0.68 ± 0.06 2.39 ± 0.22 4.98 ± 0.21 464.0 ± 166 137.5 ± 13.8 -29.039 ± 0.052 116.886 ± 0.020 ab ab c c bc c b bc ab cb bc ab ab ab bc ab bc ab a a a bc ab ab ab ab abcd x Size = maximum surface rock size rock surface = maximum x Size 280 ± 6 6.9 ± 0.8 363 ± 13 3.4 ± 1.1 5.4 ± 0.2 9.4 ± 3.3 2.5 ± 0.6 1.2 ± 0.6 53.0 ± 9.1 55.9 ± 0.6 20.1 ± 0.1 85.0 ± 2.8 4.5 ± 0.5 5.10 ± 0.23 0.88 ± 0.15 0.68 ± 0.10 5.20 ± 1.11 0.95 ± 0.40 1.16 ± 0.21 58.1 ± 22.2 4.96 ± 1.21 235.9 ± 57.3 243.5 ± 64.8 376.0 ± 106 127.8 ± 11.5 -28.986 ± 0.059 116.983 ± 0.074 ters; eCEC = cmol(+)/kg, minerals mg/kg, ters; b b a abc ab ab ab ab ab ab c abc abc bc ab ab ab ab ab ab abc bc ab a abc bcd abc ’s posthoc test (LSD p < 0.05). ’s 267 ± 5 374 ± 18 5.0 ± 0.0 20.1 ± 0.0 3.5 ± 0.5 4.9 ± 0.4 2.6 ± 0.6 59.4 ± 9.2 50.0 ± 7.1 13.9 ± 3.8 11.4 ± 1.5 55.9 ± 0.6 10.6 ± 2.6 80.7 ± 4.7 0.20 ± 0.05 17.4 ± 5.6 1.95 ± 0.19 0.40 ± 0.33 0.96 ± 0.10 43.4 ± 15.8 0.66 ± 0.06 3.30 ± 0.56 4.56 ± 0.13 118.0 ± 9.2 237.1 ± 28.4 117.198 ±0.084 -28.971 ± 0.059 b ab c c bc c b a b ab ab ab a b abc abc bc bc ab ab c b d a bc bc bc 293 ± 4 443 ± 18 5.6 ± 0.2 4.1 ± 0.3 3.9 ± 0.8 4.0 ± 0.3 4.8 ± 0.2 19.6 ± 0.1 23.0 ± 2.6 94.0 ± 8.7 27.3 ± 3.5 57.4 ± 0.2 80.4 ± 2.1 3.26 ± 0.36 68.3 ± 15.3 0.45 ± 0.07 4.68 ± 0.55 1.13 ± 0.12 46.1 ± 12.3 0.25 ± 0.03 164.5 ± 13.3 162.8 ± 28.9 4.63 ± 0.15 0.14 ± 0.03 389.1 ± 60.3 -29.126 ±0.012 116.993 ± 0.054 ab b ab c a a abc ab bc ab bc ab ab bc a a c bc ab ab ab c cd bc ab ab Community type Community ab 284 ± 4 4.6 ± 0.2 5.4 ± 0.2 406 ± 11 5.0 ± 0.2 3.3 ± 0.4 9.1 ± 3.7 21.2 ± 6.0 54.9 ± 0.4 76.3 ± 9.4 12.0 ± 4.3 10.8 ± 2.2 80.0 ± 2.1 20.0 ± 0.1 87.5 ± 14.7 0.12 ± 0.04 0.74 ± 0.06 0.60 ± 0.06 2.41 ± 0.27 67.4 ± 31.4 102.3 ± 9.4 0.24 ± 0.03 3.28 ± 0.56 4.36 ± 0.09 246.0 ± 35.3 -28.900 ±0.054 116.934 ± 0.014 a a c c c c b a bc bc ab c bc a a b b a bc ab ab b bc cd bc ab c 305 ± 1 428 ± 12 3.8 ± 0.4 5.1 ± 0.2 3.1 ± 0.4 4.4 ± 0.2 43.0 ± 7.6 0.18 ± 0.0 19.6 ± 0.0 57.9 ± 0.2 12.5 ± 2.7 68.0 ± 4.1 30.7 ± 5.6 19.3 ± 9.5 48.1 ± 6.4 5.67 ± 1.35 145 ± 17.8 0.81 ± 0.06 2.21 ± 0.32 4.93 ± 0.12 807.0 ± 217 0.12 ± 0.02 80.6 ± 20.5 1.03 ± 0.11 138.4 ± 26.7 -29.168 ±0.007 116.815 ±0.019 ab ab bc ab a b ab ab ab ab a abc bc ab ab ab ab ab a abc bc ab ab abc abc ab ab 290 ± 2 399 ± 5 6.6 ± 0.5 4.8 ± 0.1 7.5 ± 0.9 1.5 ± 0.3 70.6 ± 2.1 3.4 ± 0.2 4.2 ± 0.2 20.5 ± 2.4 52.8 ± 3.0 42.8 ± 3.0 47.2 ± 4.4 16.7 ± 1.7 56.3 ± 0.3 0.22 ± 0.03 0.75 ± 0.03 19.9 ± 0.0 environmental variables for floristic community types of the Central Tallering Land System. Differences were determined were using K Differences Land System. Tallering floristic types of the Central for community variables environmental 1.91 ± 0.12 0.19 ± 0.07 1.11 ± 0.07 2.79 ± 0.23 4.57 ± 0.05 114.4 ± 6.0 223.0 ± 16.8

-29.051 ±0.021 116.948 ±0.023 b ab a a a a a a c ab a a a a a bc ab ab ab a a a ab ab ab a ab ± 0.0

38.9 ± 2.619.5 ± 1.519.4 ± 1.4 49.4 ± 1.7 25.1 ± 1.3 24.3 ± 0.7 50.9 ± 2.3 27.6 ± 1.7 23.3 ± 1.3 48.3 ± 3.3 21.2 ± 1.7 27.1 ± 2.3 54.8 ± 2.8 30.1 ± 2.0 24.7 ± 1.3 47.4 ± 3.3 26.1 ± 3.6 21.3 ± 1.5 53.1 ± 6.1 29.0 ± 5.2 24.1 ± 1.3 47.9 ± 2.2 23.9 ± 2.8 24.0 ± 1.5 55.5 ± 0.5 taxa

1 1 1 including singleton Table 3 Table of ± s.e.) Summary statistics (average category. VariableSoil Parameters eCEC ***pH ***Ca ***K *** 1aMg ***P *** 0.91 ± 0.14 Co ***Cu ** 4.26 ± 0.03 ***Fe 98.2 ± 17.4 Mn **Na *** 71.2 ± 8.4 23.2 ± 3.3 Ni *** 1bPb ** 4.8 ± 0.4 0.05 ± 0.01 *S 0.83 ± 0.0 Zn ** 35.2 ± 4.0 24.1 ± 5.4 Climate estimates 10.6 ± 3.3 ***Tann 0.12 ± 0.02 Rann *** 0.69 ± 0.04 2Rcv*** 1.95 ± 0.20 17.6 ± 1.6Site Parameters Latitude *** 20.1 Longitude*** 284 ± 3 Altitude ***Slope *** 14.1 ± 0.7±0.053 -28.957 ***Topography 116.907 ±0.023 3 ***MxR size ***Fragment Outcrop *** 2.2 ± 0.3 360 ± 4 13.3 ± 1.9% Litter *** 3.5 ± 0.6 %Bare ***0.2 ± 3.2 4.3 ± 0.3 Species Richness 0.2 ± 02 All Taxa 4a 22.4 ± 6.93.7 ± 21.6 71.8 ± 4.1 quadratsN. 1: 14.6 ± 1.3 4b 12 13.0 ± 1.5 41.3 ± 11.7 5a 35 11.7 ± 1.4 5b 10 10 11 7 8 10 – Wallis non-parametric analysis of variance. (* indicates p < 0.05, ** 0.01, *** 0.001), with Dunn non-parametric analysis of variance. Wallis – results for AOV, posthoc tests were insignificant for S. Parameter codes are explained in the methods section. Units for parame Units for in the methods section. codes are explained Parameter S. insignificant for posthoc tests were AOV, results for annual temperature (Tann) = °C and annual rainfall (Rann) = mm. Abbreviations: Rock Frag = surface rock fragment cover, Rock Ma Rock cover, fragment rock = surface Frag Rock Abbreviations: (Rann) = mm. = °C and annual rainfall (Tann) temperature annual Annuals Annuals Perennials Flora and vegetation of Tallering 143 144 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

APPENDIX 1 Flora List for BIF ranges of the central Tallering Land System (Pinyalling Hill, Walagnumming Hill, Mt Karara, Windaning Hill and associated Windaning ridge, Minjar Hill and unnamed BIF on Badja Station). Nomenclature follows Packowska and Chapman (2000), introduced weeds by “*” and both phrase (informal) names and taxa of uncertain taxonomic status (i.e.: confer or affinis) are followed by a collection number. Adiantaceae Asclepiadaceae Cheilanthes cf. lasiophylla x sieberi (A. Markey & S. Marsdenia australis Dillon 3048) Rhyncharrhena linearis Cheilanthes adiantoides Asphodelaceae Cheilanthes brownii Bulbine semibarbata Cheilanthes lasiophylla Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi Aspleniaceae Pleurosorus rutifolius Aizoaceae * Cleretum papulosum subsp. papulosum Asteraceae Gunniopsis divisa Actinobole uliginosum Gunniopsis rubra Angianthus tomentosus * Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum * Arctotheca calendula Tetragonia diptera Bellida graminea Tetragonia eremaea Blennospora drummondii Tetragonia moorei Brachyscome cheilocarpa Brachyscome ciliaris Amaranthaceae Brachyscome ciliocarpa Ptilotus aervoides Brachyscome perpusilla Ptilotus divaricatus var. divaricatus Calocephalus aff. multiflorus (A. Markey & S. Dillon Ptilotus drummondii var. drummondii 3464) Ptilotus exaltatus Calocephalus multiflorus Ptilotus gaudichaudii var. gaudichaudii Calotis aff. cuneifolia (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3447) Ptilotus gaudichaudii var. parviflorus Calotis hispidula Ptilotus helipteroides Calotis multicaulis Ptilotus macrocephalus Cephalipterum drummondii Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus Ceratogyne obionoides Ptilotus polystachyus var. polystachyus Chthonocephalus pseudevax Ptilotus sp. Northampton (R. Davis 10952) Dielitzia tysonii Erymophyllum glossanthus Anthericaceae Erymophyllum tenellum Arthropodium curvipes Feldstonia nitens Arthropodium dyeri Gilberta tenuifolia Caesia sp. Wongan (K.F. Keneally 8820) Gilruthia osbornei Thysanotus manglesianus Gnephosis arachnoidea Thysanotus pyramidalis Gnephosis brevifolia Thysanotus rectantherus Gnephosis tenuissima Helipterum craspedioides Apiaceae Hyalosperma demissum Daucus glochidiatus Hyalosperma glutinosum subsp. glutinosum Hydrocotyle callicarpa Hyalosperma glutinosum subsp. venustum Hydrocotyle pilifera var. glabrata Hyalosperma zacchaeus Hydrocotyle rugulosa * Hypochaeris glabra Trachymene cyanopetala Isoetopsis graminifolia Trachymene ornata Lawrencella davenportii Trachymene pilosa Lawrencella rosea Xanthosia bungei Lemooria burkittii Millotia dimorpha Apocynaceae Millotia myosotidifolia Myriocephalus guerinae Alyxia buxifolia Myriocephalus oldfieldii Myriocephalus pygmaeus Flora and vegetation of Tallering 145

Myriocephalus rudallii Senna glutinosa subsp. chatelainiana Olearia humilis Senna sp. Austin (A. Strid 20210) Olearia muelleri Olearia pimeleoides Campanulaceae Podolepis canescens Wahlenbergia gracilenta Podolepis capillaris Wahlenbergia preissii Podolepis gardneri Wahlenbergia tumidifructa Podolepis lessonii Caryophyllaceae Podotheca gnaphalioides * Silene nocturna Pogonolepis stricta * Spergula pentandra Rhodanthe battii Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea Casuarinaceae Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. splendida Allocasuarina acutivalvis subsp. prinsepiana Rhodanthe citrina Allocasuarina acutivalvis subsp. acutivalvis intergrade Rhodanthe collina subsp. prinsepiana Rhodanthe humboldtiana Allocasuarina dielsiana Rhodanthe laevis Rhodanthe manglesii Celastraceae Rhodanthe maryonii Psammomoya implexa Rhodanthe polycephala Rhodanthe propinqua Centrolepidaceae Rhodanthe pygmaea Rhodanthe spicata Centrolepis aristata Schoenia cassiniana Senecio glossanthus Chenopodiaceae Senecio gregorii Atriplex bunburyana Senecio pinnatifolius Atriplex semilunaris * Sonchus oleraceus Chenopodium curvispicatum Trichanthodium skirrophorum Chenopodium melanocarpum forma melanocarpum * Urospermum picroides Chenopodium saxatile * Ursinia anthemoides Dysphania glomulifera subsp. eremaea Waitzia acuminata var. acuminata Einadia nutans subsp. eremaea Waitzia nitida Enchylaena lanata Enchylaena tomentosa var. tomentosa Boraginaceae Maireana carnosa Cynoglossum sp Inland Ranges (C.A Gardner 12684) Maireana convexa Omphalolappula concava Maireana georgei Maireana marginata Boryaceae Maireana planifolia Maireana planifolia x villosa (intergrade) (A. Markey Borya sphaerocephala & S. Dillon 3482) Brassicaceae Maireana planifolia x villosa (intergrade) (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3479) * Brassica tournefortii Maireana thesioides Lepidium oxytrichum Maireana trichoptera * Sisymbrium erysimoides Rhagodia drummondii Stenopetalum aff. sphaerocarpum (A. Markey & S. Rhagodia eremaea Dillon 3414) Sclerolaena densiflora Stenopetalum anfractum Sclerolaena diacantha Stenopetalum filifolium Sclerolaena fusiformis Stenopetalum pedicellare Sclerolaena gardneri Stenopetalum sphaerocarpum Sclerolaena microcarpa Caesalpiniaceae Colchicaceae Senna artemisioides subsp. filifolia Wurmbea sp. Paynes Find (C.J. French 1237) Senna charlesiana Senna glaucifolia Convolvulaceae Senna glutinosa subsp. chatelainiana x charlesiana (A. Porana sericea Markey & S. Dillon 3413) 146 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

Crassulaceae Goodenia pusilliflora Goodenia tenuiloba Crassula closiana Scaevola spinescens Crassula colorata var. acuminata Velleia cycnopotamica Crassula colorata var. colorata Velleia hispida Crassula extrorsa Velleia rosea Crassula tetramera Velleia sp. (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3463) Cupressaceae Haloragaceae Callitris columellaris Gonocarpus nodulosus Cuscutaceae Haloragis odontocarpa f. octoforma Haloragis odontocarpa f. pterocarpa * Cuscuta epithymum Haloragis odontocarpa f. rugosa Cyperaceae Haloragis trigonocarpa Myriophyllum decussatum Isolepis congrua Lepidosperma sp. (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3468) Hypoxidaceae Schoenus nanus Hypoxis glabella var. glabella Dasypogonaceae Juncaginaceae Chamaexeros macranthera Triglochin sp. B Flora of Australia (P.G. Wilson 4294) Xerolirion divaricata Lamiaceae Dilleniaceae Hemigenia sp. Cue (K.F. Kenneally 47A) Hibbertia arcuata Hemigenia sp. Yalgoo (A.M. Ashby 2624) Hibbertia glomerosa var. glomerosa Hemigenia sp. Yuna (A.C. Burns 95) Hibbertia stenophylla Prostanthera althoferi subsp. althoferi Droseraceae Prostanthera althoferi ssp. althoferi x serica (intergrade) Prostanthera magnifica Drosera macrantha subsp. macrantha Prostanthera patens Spartothamnella teucriiflora Epacridaceae Astroloma serratifolium Lobeliaceae Leucopogon sp. Clyde Hill (M.A. Burgman 1207) Isotoma petraea Lobelia heterophylla Euphorbiaceae Lobelia rhytidosperma Calycopeplus paucifolius Lobelia cleistogamoides Euphorbia boophthona Lobelia winfridae Euphorbia drummondii subsp. drummondii Euphorbia tannensis subsp. eremophila Loganiaceae Phyllanthus erwinii Phyllangium sulcatum Poranthera microphylla Stachystemon intricatus Loranthaceae Frankeniaceae Amyema gibberula var. tatei Amyema preissii Frankenia setosa Lysiana casuarinae Geraniaceae Malvaceae * Erodium aureum Abutilon cryptopetalum * Erodium cicutarium Abutilon oxycarpum Erodium cygnorum Sida sp. Excedentifolia (J.L. Egan 1925) Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous fruit (H.N. Foote Goodeniaceae 32) Brunonia australis Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van Leeuwen 2260) Goodenia berardiana Sida ectogama Goodenia havilandii Goodenia occidentalis Mimosaceae Goodenia pinnatifida Acacia acuaria Flora and vegetation of Tallering 147

Acacia aff. coolgardiensis subsp. latior (A. Markey & Malleostemon tuberculatus S. Dillon 3477) Melaleuca cordata Acacia andrewsii Melaleuca hamata Acacia aneura var cf. aneura Melaleuca leiocarpa Acacia aneura var. cf. argentia Melaleuca nematophylla Acacia aneura var. cf. tenuis Melaleuca radula Acacia anthochaera Micromyrtus acuta Acacia assimilis subsp. assimilis Micromyrtus clavata Acacia aulacophylla Micromyrtus sulphurea Acacia burkittii Micromyrtus trudgenii Acacia cf. kalgoorliensis (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3478) Thryptomene costata Acacia colletioides Thryptomene decussata Acacia coolgardiensis subsp. effusa Verticordia interioris Acacia coolgardiensis subsp. latior Acacia craspedocarpa Orchidaceae Acacia erinacea Cyanicula amplexans Acacia exocarpoides Caladenia petrenis Acacia grasbyi Pterostylis sp. inland (A.C. Beauglehole 11880) Acacia karina Pterostylis sp. scooped sepals (G. Brockman GBB386) Acacia longispinea Pterostylis spathulata Acacia minyura Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla Oxalidaceae Acacia ramulosa var. ramulosa Oxalis perennans Acacia rigens Acacia sibina Papilionaceae Acacia woodmaniorum Daviesia hakeoides subsp. subnuda Acacia umbraculiformis Gastrolobium laytonii Acacia tetragonophylla * Medicago minima Myoporaceae Mirbelia bursarioides Mirbelia microphylla Eremophila clarkei Eremophila decipiens subsp. decipiens Phormiaceae Eremophila eriocalyx Dianella revoluta var. divaricata Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii Eremophila galeata Pittosporaceae Eremophila georgei Eremophila glutinosa Bursaria occidentalis Eremophila granitica Cheiranthera filifolia var. simplicifolia Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei Pittosporum angustifolium Eremophila oldfieldii subsp. oldfieldii Eremophila oppositifolia subsp. angustifolia Plantaginaceae Eremophila pantonii Plantago aff. hispida (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3440) Eremophila cf. platycalyx (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3337) Eremophila platycalyx subsp. platycalyx Poaceae Eremophila serrulata Amphipogon caricinus var. caricinus Eremophila sp. (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3338) Aristida contorta Austrodanthonia caespitosa Myrtaceae Austrodanthonia sp. Goomalling (A.G. Gunness et al. Aluta aspera subsp. hesperia OAKP 10/63) Calothamnus gilesii Austrostipa blackii Calytrix uncinata Austrostipa elegantissima Eucalyptus ewartiana Austrostipa eremophila Eucalyptus gypsophila Austrostipa hemipogon Eucalyptus kochii subsp. amaryssia Austrostipa nitida Eucalyptus leptopoda subsp. arctata Austrostipa scabra Eucalyptus leptopoda subsp. elevata Austrostipa trichophylla Eucalyptus loxophleba subsp. supralaevis Bromus arenarius Eucalyptus petraea Cymbopogon ambiguus Homalocalyx thryptomenoides * Ehrharta longiflora 148 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon

* Elymus scaber Rubiaceae Enneapogon caerulescens * Galium aparine Eragrostis dielsii Psydrax latifolia Eragrostis pergracilis Psydrax suaveolens Eriachne pulchella subsp. pulchella Synaptantha tillaeacea var. tillaeacea\ Lachnagrostis plebeia * Lamarckia aurea Rutaceae Monachather paradoxus Paspalidium basicladum Drummondita fulva * Pentaschistis airoides Philotheca brucei subsp. brucei * Rostraria pumila Philotheca deserti subsp. deserti Thyridolepis mitchelliana Philotheca sericea Thyridolepis multiculmis Santalaceae Tripogon loliiformis * Vulpia muralis Exocarpos aphyllus * Vulpia myuros var. myuros Santalum acuminatum Santalum spicatum Polygalaceae Sapindaceae Comesperma integerrimum Comesperma volubile Dodonaea adenophora Dodonaea inaequifolia Polygonaceae Dodonaea lobulata * Emex australis Dodonaea petiolaris Dodonaea rigida Portulacaceae Dodonaea viscosa subsp. mucronata Dodonaea viscosa subsp. spatulata Calandrinia sp. Truncate capsules (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3474) Solanaceae Calandrinia aff. eremaea (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3472) Nicotiana rosulata subsp. rosulata Calandrinia calyptrata Solanum ellipticum Calandrinia creethae Solanum lasiophyllum Calandrinia eremaea Solanum nummularium Calandrinia sp. The Pink Hills (F. Obbens FO 19/ Stackhousiaceae 06) Calandrinia sp. Blackberry (D.M. Porter 171) Stackhousia muricata Primulaceae Sterculiaceae * Anagallis arvensis Brachychiton gregorii Keraudrenia velutina subsp. velutina Proteaceae Stylidiaceae Grevillea extorris Grevillea obliquistigma subsp. obliquistigma Levenhookia leptantha Grevillea paradoxa Stylidium longibracteatum Hakea invaginata Stylidium perpusillum Hakea preissii Stylidium warriedarense Hakea recurva subsp. arida Hakea recurva subsp. cf. recurva Thymelaeaceae Persoonia hexagona Pimelea avonensis Persoonia pentasticha Pimelea microcephala subsp. microcephala Persoonia manotricha Urticaceae Ranunculaceae Parietaria cardiostegia Ranunculus sessiliflorus var. sessiliflorus Zygophyllaceae Rhamnaceae Zygophyllum eremaeum Cryptandra imbricata Zygophyllum ovatum Polianthion collinum Flora and vegetation of Tallering 149 alues were highest (see Table 2). Table highest (see alues were tion. Species occurences per quadrat are indicated Species occurences per quadrat tion. by a square. Species with significant INDVAL statistics are indicated by shading in the respective community type where these v community shading in the respective statistics are indicated by Species with significant INDVAL a square. by APPENDIX 2 sorted of site and perennial taxa used in classification ordination analysis, and taxon classifica table quadrat by way Two 150 A.S. Markey & S.J. Dillon Community Type type 1a type 1b type 2 type 3 type 4a type 4b type 5a type 5b APPENDIX 2 (cont.) Flora and vegetation of Tallering 151